Informed Consent
Informed consent is not just about a signature on a release form, but rather it is a communication process between a medical professional and the recipient of that professional’s care. For humans, the American Medical Association (AMA) has outlined the criteria that should be included in effective informed consent communication. The following should be disclosed and discussed:
- The diagnosis if known
- The nature and purpose of a proposed treatment or procedure
- The risks and benefits of a proposed treatment or procedure
- Alternatives (regardless of their cost or the extent to which the treatment options are covered by health insurance)
- The risks and benefits of the alternative treatment or procedure
- The risks and benefits of not receiving or undergoing a treatment or procedure
It is essential that the patient, or in the case of veterinary medicine, the patient’s owner, have an opportunity to ask questions to elicit a better understanding of the treatment or procedure. In this way, an informed decision on whether or not to proceed or refuse a particular course of medical intervention can be obtained.
