Three key elements (Page 1 of 2)For consent to be considered valid: Show
1. Voluntary consent
BackgroundThe police bring a man from the airport customs to an emergency department and request that you do the appropriate examinations to determine if the man is trafficking in cocaine. The police suspect he has swallowed the drugs in condoms. Your patient does not give consent for the examinations. Think about itAs the emergency physician, what is the best next step? SuggestionsIn this case, the physician should explain the grave risks if a condom containing cocaine ruptures internally. The patient might then consent to examination. In these types of circumstances, physicians should be more careful than usual to assure themselves the patient is in full agreement with what has been suggested, that there has been no coercion (for example, by exaggerating the risks of consenting or of refusing) and that no one else has imposed their will on the patient.
BackgroundA gastroenterologist meets a patient for the first time immediately before a screening colonoscopy. He describes the list of potential risks for colonoscopy and requests the patient sign the consent form before proceeding. Think about itIs the patient consenting voluntarily? SuggestionsIdeally the patient would be provided information about the nature and risks of an investigation as early as possible in the process. While timing is important when engaging in a consent discussion — especially for an elective procedure — the practical realities of providing care to all patients in an efficient way may make this difficult. In this case, the patient has already made the decision to undergo the procedure and has completed the required preparation. Despite this, the patient is entitled to engage in a full discussion and should not be made to feel obliged to continue with the investigation. 2. Capacity to consentA patient is considered to have the capacity to consent if he or she understands the:
Patient understanding
Physicians have a duty to take reasonable steps to be relatively satisfied their patients have received the appropriate information, particularly when there may be language difficulties, emotional issues, or questions of mental function. By engaging in dialogue with the patient, a physician will be reasonably confident that the patient appears to understand the explanation of consent. One way to achieve such confidence is the teach-back technique: asking the patient to re-phrase what they have just been told and inviting the patient to ask questions. However, what constitutes "reasonable steps" will depend on the facts and circumstances of the particular situation. As appropriate, a physician may wish to encourage a patient to invite a family member or friend to attend the discussion. Patients who refuse treatment
BackgroundMr. Jones, a successful tax accountant, has been diagnosed with an invasive melanoma. His dermatologist wishes to excise the cancer as soon as possible. Despite being informed of the risks, Mr. Jones insists on delaying the surgery by four months so he can continue to work during his busiest time of year. Think about itWhat is the dermatologist's next step? SuggestionsEven when faced with an serious operable cancerous lesion and the strong likelihood of a good surgical outcome, a mentally capable patient may instead choose a less effective treatment than what is recommended, despite a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of surgery. This is the patient's right. Mr. Jones should be told about the consequences of leaving the condition untreated. Although there should be no coercion (i.e., unduly frightening patients who refuse treatment), the courts now recognize there is an obligation to inform patients about the potential consequences of refusing treatment. Suggestions continuedThe dermatologist may wish to advise the patient to discuss with his family about the decision to delay the surgery. If the patient persists in wanting to delay the surgery, consultation with a colleague for a second opinion may be helpful. Minors
BackgroundA 14-year-old girl comes to see you to ask for a prescription for birth control pills. You find her to be very mature and sensibly wanting protection. Think about itCan this youth consent to treatment or must her parents be involved? OutcomeYes, this youth can consent to treatment. If, in the physician's judgment, the patient is a mature minor the physician cannot inform the parents without the patient's consent. A young person is considered capable of consenting or refusing treatment (i.e. a mature minor) if the physical, mental, and emotional development of the person will allow for a full appreciation of the nature and consequences of the decision. Only Québec has established a fixed age of 14 years, below which the parent or guardian or the court must consent to the proposed treatment. Generally, a capable minor would need to consent to the involvement of parents in healthcare decisions. Depending on the nature of the medical condition and the complexity of any proposed treatment, it is often prudent to stress the importance of involving the parents, and to obtain permission to do so.
BackgroundAnn, who is eight years old, presents with polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss over the past two months. You diagnose Type 1 diabetes based on her blood glucose. Ann requires insulin therapy; however her parents refuse, believing she can be managed with diet and a new herbal remedy they have read about. What should you do? Think about itWhat should you do? SuggestionA parent or guardian is required to act in the best interests of the child. If medically necessary treatment is refused, the doctor is obliged to report the matter to the child protection authorities. Child protection authorities: The agencies in each province or territory charged with the protection and welfare of children, having the ability to intervene to protect children from harm. Life threatening situationsIf life or limb are in danger and the patient is unable to consent and the substitute decision maker is not immediately available, a doctor has a duty to:
BackgroundWhile on vacation, a young woman who is hiking in the woods is attacked by a bear. She is brought to the emergency department unconscious with extensive blood loss. No substitute decision maker is available. Think about itCan you treat her to save her life without her consent? Lesson learnedYes. In an emergency when the patient or substitute decision maker cannot consent the physician may proceed if there is demonstrable severe suffering or an imminent threat to the life or health of the patient. Which of the following is not true regarding chart placement in the medical facility?chapter 10. What is the best method for preventing RMI?Softly typing keys prevents you from placing so much pressure on your hands and fingers which can, in turn, hurt your wrist and arm. Don't bend your wrists when typing. Keep your feet flat on the floor to improve posture. Sit up in your seat and make sure your chair supports your spine.
What is the best way to prevent RMI's quizlet?Entering commands on the computer keyboard instead of using the mouse as a pointer is an effective way to prevent RMI.
Which of the following may be considered an exception to the requirement for informed consent?Several exceptions to the requirement for informed consent include (1) the patient is incapacitated, (2) life-threatening emergencies with inadequate time to obtain consent, and (3) voluntary waived consent.
|