Exploring the 4 Types of Consent in Healthcare: What Patients Need to Know
As a patient, it’s vital to understand the various types of consent required before any medical procedure. From surgery to vaccines, healthcare professionals must obtain permission from their patients before proceeding with any clinical intervention. In this article, we’ll explore the four key types of consent in healthcare and discuss what patients need to know to make informed decisions about their care.
1. Implied Consent
Implied consent is often referred to as “passive consent.” It’s when a patient’s actions indicate their agreement with the health professional’s actions. For example, if a patient rolls up their sleeve for a vaccination, that action is an indication of implied consent. Similarly, a patient arriving at an appointment could be considered implied consent.
Implied consent is often used for minor procedures and non-invasive treatments, and the healthcare professional may not necessarily seek verbal consent from the patient. However, it’s still crucial for patients to understand the intervention fully.
2. Expressed Consent
Expressed consent is “active consent” and is the most common type of consent. It’s when a patient explicitly agrees to a medical procedure, either verbally or in writing. For example, signing an informed consent form before elective surgery is an example of expressed consent.
Before providing expressed consent, patients should be informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure. They should also have an understanding of what to expect before and after the procedure. Patients have the right to give or decline expressed consent to their health care providers.
3. Informed Consent
Informed consent is the third type of consent in healthcare and is similar to expressed consent. However, informed consent is a legal term that refers to the process of informing the patient sufficiently before proceeding with a medical procedure. The legal requirements surrounding informed consent vary by state, but it generally involves the healthcare provider discussing the procedure’s benefits, risks, and any alternatives to it with the patient.
Informed consent is usually given in writing, written on a form that the patient signs. It’s also important to note that informed consent is not a way of absolving the healthcare provider of their duty of care.
4. Verbal Consent
The fourth type of consent in healthcare is verbal consent, where a patient consents to a medical procedure verbally. In many cases, verbal consent is initially given as a way to obtain expressed consent, as it’s quicker and easier to obtain. For instance, before a blood test, the healthcare professional might explain the procedure and ask for verbal consent before beginning.
It’s important to understand that verbal consent is still a form of consent, and healthcare providers should ensure that patients understand everything that’s being said. A patient’s verbal response such as “yes” indicates that they agree and are consenting to the procedure.
Conclusion
Informed consent is a crucial aspect of healthcare. It’s essential that patients understand the various types of consent and their rights as patients before agreeing or declining any medical procedure. Patients should be comfortable asking their healthcare providers questions, seeking clarification, and discussing the risks and alternatives. Remember, informed patients make informed decisions and are more likely to have better health outcomes.
