Consent in Healthcare

[blank_start]Autonomy[blank_end] is the ethical guiding principle behind consent in health-care.

Touching another person without a valid lawful excuse is an example of the legal principle of [blank_start]battery[blank_end]

There are three main types of consent: [blank_start]verbal[blank_end], [blank_start]written[blank_end] and [blank_start]implied[blank_end]

Four elements to consent: It cannot be given under [blank_start]coercion[blank_end] The procedure must be [blank_start]described[blank_end] The PT must be informed of [blank_start]benefits[blank_end] and [blank_start]risks[blank_end] The individual must have [blank_start]legal capacity[blank_end] to consent

Right to refuse treatment: comes under the [blank_start]Medical treatment[blank_end] act 1988 An adult of SOUND MIND can [blank_start]refuse[blank_end] any treatment or [blank_start]withdraw[blank_end] from any treatment at any stage For someone to continue to treat a patient who has attempted this - it is considered [blank_start]ASSAULT[blank_end]

In situations of emergency care: E.g a patient is unconscious - treatment can be given as long as it is [blank_start]reasonable[blank_end] and in [blank_start]good faith[blank_end]

Children and consent: Parents/legal guardians must provide the consent (except in [blank_start]emergency[blank_end] when they are not there) A child may give consent if they can prove that they have [blank_start]sufficient understanding[blank_end] of the proposed treatment If there is a conflict between parent and child in this decision making process the matter will be decided by the [blank_start]courts[blank_end] 

Should an individual be found to lack the individual capacity to make decisions regarding their care : A [blank_start]guardian[blank_end] will be appointed by [blank_start]VCAT[blank_end] This individual must be determined to advocate for that person's [blank_start]best interests[blank_end]