Why Informed Consent Matters More Than Expressed Consent
Introduction
Consent is an essential part of any professional interaction. It signifies agreement or permission given by an individual to another person, organization, or entity to proceed with an action that would affect them. In the healthcare system, obtaining consent is a crucial step in providing patient-centered care. However, it’s essential to distinguish between informed and expressed consent, as they carry different weightage. Informed consent ensures that a patient is aware of the benefits and risks of a proposed treatment or procedure, enabling them to make an informed decision. Expressed consent, on the other hand, only signifies agreement at a particular moment, which lacks the patient’s understanding of the best course of action. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into why informed consent matters more than expressed consent, including the benefits and ethical implications.
The Difference Between Informed and Expressed Consent
Informed consent has been a fundamental principle of medical ethics for decades. It obliges healthcare providers to provide patients with comprehensive information about their medical condition, treatment options, potential benefits, and risks. It also entails explaining the consequences of refusing treatment or not adhering to the recommended regimen. This information enables patients to make an informed decision based on their values, preferences, and personal circumstances.
Expressed consent, on the other hand, only signifies agreement at a specific moment. A patient’s expressed consent cannot be construed as informed if the healthcare provider failed to provide adequate information. This can occur, for instance, when a provider assumes that the patient already understands the pertinent information or that the patient does not want to know. In such cases, the patient may not be aware of their treatment options’ benefits and risks, and thus, may not be able to make an informed decision.
The Importance of Informed Consent
There are several benefits to ensuring informed consent. First, informed consent fosters trust between healthcare providers and patients, which is essential in building a therapeutic relationship. Patients who feel that their providers respect their autonomy and are honest with them are more likely to adhere to treatment regimens, experience positive health outcomes, and be satisfied with their care.
Second, informed consent protects the patient’s autonomy, which is the right to self-determination. Patients who are fully informed of their medical condition and the available treatment options have the right to decide how to manage their condition. This includes the right to refuse treatment, even if it is the best course of action, based on their values, beliefs, and circumstances. Informed consent is also the basis for advanced care planning, allowing patients to make decisions about their future healthcare needs.
Third, informed consent is a legal and ethical imperative. The ethical principle of autonomy requires healthcare providers to respect their patients’ right to self-determination. Legally, healthcare providers who fail to obtain informed consent expose themselves to litigations, malpractice suits and may lose their licenses if found guilty of ethical misconduct.
The Ethical Implications of Expressed Consent
Expressed consent is often used in healthcare settings when there is an urgent need for treatment, and a patient’s life is at risk. In such cases, healthcare providers may obtain a patient’s expressed consent and proceed with the treatment without providing comprehensive information. While this may seem reasonable in such emergency situations, it raises ethical concerns. Patients who provide expressed consent may not fully understand the risks and benefits of the treatment, which can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Healthcare providers may also act in their best interest rather than the patient’s, exposing them to unethical practices and risks.
Conclusion
Informed consent is an essential part of patient-centered healthcare. It ensures that patients are fully informed of their medical condition, the available treatment options, and the benefits and risks of each option. It protects the patient’s autonomy and fosters trust between healthcare providers and patients, leading to positive health outcomes. Expressed consent, while a necessary component in emergency situations, should not be relied on for routine care as it lacks the patient’s understanding and autonomy. Healthcare providers must ensure that their patients are fully informed, enabling them to make informed decisions based on their values and preferences.
