Discussion On Informed Consent Participation Requirement
Discussion On Informed Consentparticipation Requirementyou Are Requir
Discussion on Informed Consent Participation Requirement: You are required to post a minimum of three (3) times in each discussion. These three (3) posts must be on a minimum of two (2) separate days. You must respond to the initial discussion question by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. On additional days, respond to your peers’ posts as well as additional faculty posts. Responses to peers must be posted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday each week a discussion is due.
Step 1: Read the attached article entitled, “Informed Consent – The Joint Commission.” Step 2: View the video entitled, “Nursing Fundamentals: Informed Consent, Advance Directives, Reporting and Nursing Documentation.” Informed consent is obtained after a client receives complete disclosure of all pertinent information provided by the provider regarding the surgery or procedure to be performed. The nurse may obtain informed consent only after the client verbalizes understanding of the potential benefits and risks associated with the surgery or procedure. Elements of Informed Consent: The individual giving consent must fully understand the procedure that will be performed, the risks involved, expected/desired outcomes, expected complications/side effects, and alternative treatments or therapies available.
Consent is given by a competent adult, legal guardian or designated power of attorney (DPOA), emancipated or married minor, parent of a minor, or a court order. A trained medical interpreter must be provided when the person giving consent is unable to communicate due to a language barrier. The nurse’s role is to witness the client’s signature and ensure the provider gave the necessary information and that the client understood and is competent to sign. If it has been identified that the client does not understand the procedure or is not competent to sign the informed consent, the nurse must STOP the process and the physician must be notified immediately. A consultation occurs when a professional provides expert advice in a particular area and determines what treatment or services the client requires.
The nursing intervention evolves around facilitating coordination with other health care providers throughout the continuum of care in order to protect the client from conflicting and potentially dangerous treatments. A referral is a formal request for a special service by another care provider so that the client can access the care identified by the primary care provider or consultant. Some examples of referrals include physical therapy, wound care, and hospice. The nursing intervention continues to evolve around monitoring the client’s response and progress. Directions: There are three scenarios that will be used in this discussion posting.
You are all responsible for the initial discussion posting and then responding to one posting in the remaining scenarios. For example, my last name is Combs, therefore my initial discussion posting will occur from CASE #1. I will then be responsible for responding to one post from CASE #2 and one post from CASE #3. CASE #1 (A to H); CASE #2 (I to Q); CASE #3 (R to Z)
Paper For Above instruction
The concept of informed consent is fundamental in healthcare, ensuring that patients are adequately informed and voluntarily agree to medical procedures. It embodies respect for patient autonomy, legal considerations, and ethical standards that safeguard individuals from unwanted interventions while promoting shared decision-making. This paper explores key elements of informed consent, its critical role in nursing practice, and implications within specific clinical scenarios, emphasizing evidence-based practices and ethical considerations.
Understanding the Elements of Informed Consent
Informed consent requires that a patient receive comprehensive information about a proposed medical intervention, encompassing the nature of the procedure, potential benefits, associated risks, possible complications, and alternative options. The clinician's responsibility is to communicate this information clearly and ensure the patient comprehends it. A patient must be competent to give consent, which involves assessing their mental capacity and understanding. The legal capacity to consent typically rests with adults who are mentally capable, but special considerations apply for minors, individuals with mental impairments, or those under guardianship (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).
The process involves the healthcare provider disclosing relevant information in understandable language, followed by the patient's voluntary agreement. The patient's affirmation can be verbal or written, with a signed consent form serving as evidence of understanding and willingness. The role of nurses is vital in witnessing signatures, verifying that information was conveyed effectively, and assessing patient competency, especially when language barriers or cognitive impairments are present (Davis, 2020).
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Informed Consent
Legal statutes underscore the necessity for informed consent to protect patients' rights and define the scope of healthcare practitioner responsibilities. Failure to obtain proper informed consent can lead to legal consequences, including malpractice claims. Ethically, it aligns with respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, ensuring patients make voluntary choices aligned with their values and preferences (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Key ethical principles reinforce the importance of honest communication, respect for cultural differences, and sensitivity in disclosing sensitive information.
Application of Informed Consent in Clinical Scenarios
The application of informed consent varies depending on the clinical context and patient capacity. For capable adults, the process is straightforward; however, when minors or cognitively impaired individuals are involved, consent must be obtained from legal guardians or authorized representatives (American Hospital Association, 2019). Nurses play a central role in facilitating this process, ensuring that consent is voluntary, informed, and documented appropriately.
Scenario Analysis
Case 1: Appendectomy in an Emergent Situation
In the first scenario, a 30-year-old male presents with suspected appendicitis requiring urgent surgery. The surgical intern explains the necessity of the operation and its risks. Given the urgency, additional information such as the possibility of antibiotic treatment as an alternative, the identity of the surgeon, and the explicit risks must be communicated when feasible. Evidence suggests that in emergent circumstances, consent may be truncated but still must involve essential disclosures to respect patient autonomy (Miller et al., 2021). The intern should include information about other treatment options like antibiotics, and confirm patient understanding as soon as possible. This aligns with ethical principles prioritizing beneficence and respecting patient rights even in emergencies (Jeffe et al., 2019).
Case 2: Incidental Findings During a Procedure
In the second case involving a colectomy, the identification of an incidental liver mass raises questions about proceeding without explicit prior consent for extended intervention. Generally, any additional procedures not included in the original consent require a new consent, unless in emergencies where delay risks patient health. Ethically, proceeding without explicit consent for the biopsy or excision may be justified if the finding was unexpected and delays could harm the patient. Literature indicates that intraoperative decision-making must adhere to the scope of initial consent, unless emergent circumstances exist that justify timely intervention (Gomez et al., 2020).
Case 3: Minor in Pain with Unclear Diagnosis
The third scenario involves a 14-year-old girl with ambiguous abdominal pain. Generally, minors' consent is obtained from parents or legal guardians, particularly when procedures are invasive or life-altering. However, in some jurisdictions, adolescents may consent for certain healthcare services, especially those related to reproductive health or emergencies (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020). Since the girl presents with severe pain but no clear diagnosis, and immediate intervention is necessary, obtaining consent from her parents or legal guardian is advised. Ethical practice necessitates balancing respect for her developing autonomy with parental rights and legal statutes (Fletcher et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Informed consent remains a cornerstone of ethical nursing practice and patient-centered care. Proper understanding of its elements, legal considerations, and clinical application ensures that patients are respected and protected throughout their healthcare journey. In emergency or complex situations, healthcare providers must balance ethical obligations, legal mandates, and patient rights, often requiring prompt, clear communication and multidisciplinary collaboration to uphold the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Informed Consent and Assent in Pediatric Practice. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193855.
- American Hospital Association. (2019). Principles of Informed Consent. AHA Journal.
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Davis, J. (2020). Nursing Responsibilities in Obtaining and Witnessing Informed Consent. Journal of Nursing Practice, 16(4), 245-251.
- Fletcher, J., et al. (2018). Ethical Considerations for Consent in Pediatric Care. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(3), 199-204.
- Gomez, N., et al. (2020). Intraoperative Decision-Making and Consent in Surgical Practice. Surgical Ethics, 12(2), 118-124.
- Jeffe, D. B., et al. (2019). Emergency Situations and Informed Consent: Ethical and Legal Perspectives. Emergency Medicine Journal, 36(6), 365-369.
- Miller, R. H., et al. (2021). Ethical Challenges in Emergency Surgical Consent. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 78(3), 306-312.
- United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Patient Rights and Informed Consent. HHS.gov.
- Gordon, D. B., et al. (2022). Informed Consent in Clinical Practice: Legal and Ethical Perspectives. Journal of Medical Ethics, 48(4), 255-259.