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Introduction
All professions have regulations that bind their members and the public to facilitate easy delivery of services and enhance productivity. These codes must be respected since they reflect the mission, vision and aspirations of different professions. Critics have argued that the medical profession has many codes compared to others. This is attributed to the fact that this profession deals with human life that is irreversible and thus must be taken care of at all costs (Fisher 2009). Informed consent is a medical code that must be observed by medical practitioners.
Background
Informed consent means more than just signing forms and agreement documents between medical practitioners and patients’ families. Initially, the medical profession was clouded with court cases regarding improper professional conduct in handling patients due to misunderstanding and confusions between patients and doctors (Fisher 2009). There were no rules and regulations to outline agreements with them. To date, informed consent has made it possible for doctors to carry out risky medical operations without fear. This term used to refer to a form signed by patients, their families and doctors outlining various medical processes involved in treatment (Corey 2011). Today, the term refers to all processes involved in educating patients and their families about various medical procedures. This lifts blame from doctors in case anything unexpected happens to patients.
Obtaining Informed Consent
Most medical institutions including the American Psychotherapist Association identify three major processes involved in obtaining informed consent. These aspects include willingness, rationale and information (Fisher 2009). Information refers to all aspects the patient needs to know before undergoing any medical examination or treatment. It is important to put everything in its clear perspective to ensure patients understand what they will be going through before, during and after treatment. This may include explanations regarding treatment period, mode of treatment, medical fees, third party participation, policies regarding payments and secrecy.
Willingness refers to all voluntary aspects involved in psychotherapy. It is necessary to observe that patients participate in psychotherapy without being forced to do so. It is important to stress that even though doctors must ensure they protect lives this cannot be done by force. Patients have a right to refuse treatment or cooperation in various aspects.
Thirdly, rationale refers to the consent and agreement that patients understand what is expected from them and that they know what is going to happen before, during and after treatment (Fisher 2009). It should be noted that patients are entitled to all information that affects the treatment process. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure they understand every aspect of the procedures involved. Above all, patients must agree to undertake various psychotherapy processes before doctors decide their next move.
However, there are few exceptions to the above conditions that make the process of obtaining informed consent not applicable as is expected.
First, children cannot make rational decisions and this means that someone else has to step in their place and represent them (Corey 2011). Parents and guardians are usually better placed to represent children in this aspect. Secondly, mentally challenged people cannot make rational decisions and this means that their guardians must take full responsibility in obtaining informed consent. In addition, terminally ill people and those in commas may not be in positions to make correct judgment and this means someone else must step in and agree to the terms and conditions involved in their treatment.
Lastly, very old people are usually not in positions of making correct judgment; therefore, there must be someone to assist them (Corey 2011). However, it is also important to stress that people obtaining informed consent on behalf of patients must have close relations with the patient. They may be parents, spouses, guardian or very close family members.
Differences between Informed Consent and Assent
The difference between informed consent and assent is very minor and most people confuse these terms. Assent refers to situations where patients are not old enough to make informed choices (Fisher 2009). For instance, children cannot make informed consent since they are considered to be minors. Additionally, very old people and those suffering from mental problems cannot be allowed to make this choice since their mental conditions are usually incapable of making rational decisions.
In the above cases it is advisable to get someone else to make an informed choice on their behalf. However, the most important part is to understand that the above patients must agree that they understand what is about to happen to them. Therefore, their representatives must explain to them what is happening and seek their permission before any process begins (Corey 2011). This means that as much as patients may not sign the consent form they must assent to the process. Their representatives should sign the forms after being informed about the anticipated processes.
The most important thing to know when obtaining informed consent is that all parties must be informed about the expected processes, their duration, cost and must also agree that they are willing to participate in that process.
Conclusion
Medical practitioners should do everything within their abilities and skills to protect human life. However, responsibility for any accidents should not be placed on doctors and this means patients and their families must make informed choices before any procedure begins. There must be understanding of all concepts, procedures and fees involved before a consent form is signed.
References
Corey, G. (2011). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions. California: Thomson Brooks.
Fisher, C. B. (2009). Decoding the Ethics Code: A Practical Guide for Psychologists. California: Sage Publications.
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