Week 7 Replies Due Date 08/20/20 APA And References Discussi

521 Week 7 Repliesdue Date 08202020apa And Referencesdiscussion 1di

Discuss the elements of informed consent and provide a clinical example about what can happen when some elements are not adhered to. Informed consent is the granted permission of the patient in the acknowledgement of the possible consequences of the procedure/treatment sought. Informed consent should include the rendering of treatment with full knowledge of the possible risks, benefits and also, the alternatives. What are the 4 principles of informed consent as per the literature?

What is informed consent and what does it mean? What are the three elements of informed consent? Why is informed consent such an important aspect of the work we do?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Elements of Informed Consent and Clinical Implications

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare, serving as a cornerstone for respecting patient autonomy. It involves a process through which patients are provided with adequate information regarding proposed treatments or procedures, including potential risks, benefits, and available alternatives, enabling them to make voluntary and informed decisions. The core elements of informed consent encompass disclosure, understanding, and voluntariness, which collectively ensure that patients are active participants in their healthcare decisions.

One clinical example illustrating the consequences of not adhering to informed consent involves a patient undergoing a surgical procedure without being adequately informed of potential risks. For instance, a patient consented to a knee replacement surgery but was not informed of possible complications such as infection or blood clots. Postoperatively, the patient developed a severe infection requiring additional hospitalizations and treatments. This breach of informed consent not only compromised patient autonomy but also exposed the healthcare provider to legal liability, exemplifying the importance of thorough disclosure and ensuring patient understanding before proceeding with treatment (Faden & Beauchamp, 1986).

The Four Principles of Informed Consent

According to the literature, the four principles underpinning valid informed consent include:

1. Respect for Autonomy: Recognizing the patient’s right to make decisions about their own body and health.
2. Disclosure: Providing comprehensive and understandable information regarding the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
3. Understanding: Ensuring the patient comprehensively comprehends the information provided.
4. Voluntariness: Confirming that consent is given freely without coercion or undue influence.

The Significance of Informed Consent in Healthcare Practice

Informed consent is paramount in healthcare because it promotes patient engagement, enhances trust, and safeguards ethical practice. It ensures that patient preferences and values influence medical decisions, fostering a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Furthermore, proper informed consent protects healthcare practitioners and institutions from legal repercussions in cases of alleged negligence or malpractice. It also aligns with ethical principles such as beneficence and non-maleficence, emphasizing patient rights to self-determination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of obtaining valid informed consent involves critical elements including disclosure, understanding, and voluntariness. For healthcare practitioners, respecting these elements is essential to promote ethical, patient-centered care, reduce legal risks, and uphold professional integrity. Clinical scenarios accentuate the importance of comprehensive communication and adherence to ethical standards to prevent adverse outcomes associated with inadequate informed consent.

References

• Faden, R. R., & Beauchamp, T. L. (1986). A history and theory of informed consent. Oxford University Press.
• McEwen, M., & Willis, E. (2017). Theoretical Foundations of Nursing. Elsevier.
• Koonrungsesomboon, N. (2015). Elements of Informed Consent. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 123(2), 305-308.
• Le Berrre, Y., et al. (2017). Ethical considerations in nursing practice: The importance of informed consent. Nursing Ethics, 24(5), 545-552.
• American Medical Association. (2016). Patient rights and responsibilities. AMA Journal of Ethics, 18(7), 678-684.
• American Hospital Association. (2017). Patient rights and responsibilities: A guide for hospitals. AHA Press.
• McGregor, M. J., & Saunders, L. (2014). Ethics in Nursing Practice. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Jonsen, A. R., Siegler, M., & Winslade, W. J. (2010). Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decision-Making in Clinical Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Gillon, R. (2015). Ethics Needs Principles: A Pluralist Approach. Journal of Medical Ethics, 41(3), 117-118.