Consent

Examination and treatment

A patient should not be examined, given treatment or an operation without her/his consent, except in certain circumstances. These could include where the patient's life is in danger, or if s/he is unconscious and cannot indicate her/his wishes, for example, if during the course of an operation a further medical problem arises.

In some cases the patient must sign a consent form, but in other cases consent can be obtained orally. For example, written consent should be obtained for any procedure or treatment carrying substantial risk or side effects. If the patient is capable, written consent should always be obtained for general anaesthesia, surgery and certain forms of drug therapy. Oral or written consent should be recorded in the patient's notes with relevant details of health professionals' explanations.

Even if the patient signs a consent form, the signature may not be a valid form of consent if s/he has not been given appropriate information to be able to give informed consent. Similarly, consent for one procedure does not imply consent for a further procedure or form of treatment.

The doctor must inform the patient of the nature, consequences, and any risks involved in the treatment or operation, before the patient gives her/his consent. It is for the doctor to decide exactly how much to tell the patient.

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