Lesson 3
- Six elements of informed consent:
- Competence
- Decision-making capacity
- Disclosure of information
- Understanding of disclosed information
- Voluntary consent
- Documentation
Emergency Situations
- "Implied consent" allows for lifesaving treatment when a patient is unconscious or unable to consent.
Patient Rights and Provider Obligations
- Patients have the right to refuse treatment.
- Providers are not obligated to offer inappropriate or high-risk care.
- Key discussions should cover:
- Description of recommended anesthetic
- Risks and benefits of each anesthetic type
- Patient preferences, questions, and fears
Disclosure Requirements
- Must inform patients of:
- Nature and purpose of anesthesia
- Risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Potential risks of not receiving anesthesia
- Additional disclosure may be required by state law (e.g., reasonable person standard).
- Generally, parents or legal guardians provide consent for minors.
- Exceptions exist based on state law (e.g., emancipated minors).
- Involve minors in discussions and document their agreement (assent).
- Patients can refuse treatments (e.g., Jehovah's Witnesses and blood products).
- Providers must disclose risks of refusal and document the process.