What is informed consent?

Informed consent is a crucial process in healthcare that ensures patients understand the treatment they will receive, including the potential risks and benefits associated with that treatment. It emphasizes the provider's responsibility to communicate thoroughly with the patient regarding what the procedure involves, the anticipated outcomes, and any possible complications that could arise. This conversation allows patients to make educated decisions about their healthcare, empowering them to weigh the benefits against the risks before agreeing to proceed with treatment.

This process can indeed involve obtaining a verbal agreement or a signed document, but the core of informed consent is the comprehensive explanation provided by the healthcare professional. This interaction is vital in fostering a trusting relationship between the patient and provider, as it respects the patient's autonomy and right to be involved in their own healthcare decisions. Informed consent is not just about whether patients assent to treatment, but about ensuring that they are fully informed in doing so.