The importance of informed consent
When a doctor wants to perform a medical procedure on his patient, he must obtain the patient’s informed consent before he is allowed to proceed. Informed consent is an important part of medicine that has few exceptions, as failure to obtain consent can lead to unwanted procedures and treatments.
Obtaining informed consent means informing the patient about the procedure to be performed and the risks involved, as well as answering their questions before they agree to undergo treatment.
This is important, as patients may learn facts about their medical history that make procedures unfavorable. Additionally, patients have the right to refuse treatment if they would rather live with one eye than undergo a potentially painful procedure.
When a physician or other health care provider informs a patient about a procedure, he or she may not omit information to make the procedure appear more favorable. In addition, the medical professional cannot tell a patient that a procedure is her only option when, in reality, she has more.
Both forms of deception are considered coercion on the part of the medical professional. Coercion can also include forcing a patient to receive treatment against their will.
There is one main exception to the consent rule, which is when a person is unable to give informed consent and a next of kin or legal guardian cannot be found within a reasonable period of time. In these cases, health care providers may perform procedures only if the procedure is essential to saving the person’s life.
When a medical professional fails to obtain your informed consent for a procedure and you are injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your suffering.