Pre-prepared material (translated where relevant) about a procedure or treatment may be useful as a means of stimulating discussion and for guiding the clinician when informing the patient. More complex non-emergency procedures with higher risks of complications Less complex non-emergency procedures with low risks of complications The consent levels used in this guide are as follows.Ĭonsent is not required if the patient lacks capacity or is unable to consentīrief verbal discussion is recommended if the situation allows If you have discussed consent with a patient, this process should also be document in the medical notes. State legislation varies and may mandate additional requirements for consent depending on your region of practice.

We suggest written consent using a state prescribed consent form for major procedures especially those including intravenous sedation and procedures with significant risks. This may also be useful if reviewed later, supporting the view that treatment had been discussed with the patient and that valid consent has been obtained. However, obtained consent in writing may assist practitioners provide a comprehensive discussion of procedural risks and benefits with the patient. Documenting consentĬonsent is a process (not a signature) which may be provided orally or implied by body language.Īustralian law does not require consent in writing. We do this regularly and will take good care of you’. Brief verbal discussion of the procedure with the patient is always recommended if the situation allows.Įxample: when intubating a conscious patient for severe respiratory failure, it would be reasonable and sufficient to inform the patient: ‘We are going to give you an anaesthetic, take control of your breathing and look after you in the intensive care unit.

chest drains insertion in an unconscious trauma patient). We often perform procedures on seriously ill or injured patients under these circumstances (e.g. Prevent the patient from suffering significant pain and distress In an emergency, where the patient is unable to give consent, a procedure may be carried out immediately if it is required to: The person responsible for a patient will often be the patient’s spouse or de facto, a parent, guardian, guardianship board or local authority. Outside of emergency situations, if a person is incapable of giving consent, the consent of the patient’s ‘person responsible’ will be required. Treating a competent patient who has declined treatment could constitute assault. Mental illness currently impairing decision makingĪn adult patient with capacity is entitled to decline a medical procedure. Intellectual impairment, dementia, or brain damage intoxication, reduced level of consciousness)

Temporary factors such as the patient’s medical condition (e.g. Some patients will have the capacity to make some, but not all, decisions concerning their care.Ĭommon reasons a patient may lack capacity include: The patient must be informed in a way the patient can understandĬonsent must be specific to the procedure CapacityĬapacity to provide consent means the patient can comprehend and consider the information in order to reach a decision. The person must have the capacity to give consent This includes the benefits, possible adverse effects or complications, alternatives and the likely result if the procedure is not performed.įor a patient’s consent to be valid all of the following criteria must be met: Excluding medical emergencies, patients must be provided with adequate information about a procedure to enable them to make informed decisions.

Obtaining consent for procedures is a legal and ethical requirement and an accepted part of good medical practice.

Rapid sequence intubation process