Informed Consent
The law recognises that it is in the best interest for emergency treatment to go ahead if it is necessary to save a life or to prevent serious or permanent disability.
Consent
- Process where patients understand and agree to treatment
- Full discussion of disease, treatment, benefits, risks and alternative treatments
- Verbal or written
- Patients can change their mind / seek alternative opinions
- Children: (1) Child able to consent if judged to be competent (2) otherwise parent or legal guardian can act on behalf (3) Child cannot refuse treatment
- Adult: (1) Only the adult or (2) someone with power of attorney. Relatives should be involved but cannot consent or withold consent on another individual's behalf.
Who should obtain consent?
- Operating surgeon
- Suitably qualified person who has knowledge of procedure and understanding of risks and benefits.
- All complications with >1% risk should be discussed
- Potentially life-threatening risks should be discussed
