Consent Procedures
Overview
Consent procedure for physicians when operating on patients is a critical step in ensuring patient safety and legal compliance. It involves thoroughly explaining the proposed surgery, including its risks, benefits, and potential alternatives, to the patient or their legal representative. Physicians must address any questions or concerns the patient may have and obtain their informed consent, demonstrating a clear understanding of the procedure and its potential outcomes. This process is vital for establishing trust, respecting patient autonomy, and mitigating potential legal issues in healthcare practice
Procedures
- Informed consent regarding various treatment procedures should be obtained from the patient/party by the treating physician.
- The doctor should explain the details of the procedures to the patient.
- For children below the age of 18 years, informed consent should be obtained from their parents or guardians.
- If the patient condition is serious, like in profound shock, eclampsia etc., high risk consent must be taken.
- If there is no one to give consent or the patient is unconscious/ unable to give consent, the doctor and the nurse should take a collective decision in the best interest of the patient after informing the hospital administration.
- OT staff must check the consent form on receiving the patient and also before starting surgery (refer to theatre checklist)
