Decision-Making Capacity

Informed Consent - You can understand and explain the options,

(From Sir O) implications, and give rational reason why you
would decide on a particular option instead of
- Process of understanding the risks and benefits of
others
the assessment or treatment
- Patient autonomy
- You as patient have the right to make decisions
Components of Decision-Making Capacity
about your own health and medical condition(s)
o Ability to understand the option
o Ability to understand the consequences of choosing
Types each of the options
o Ability to evaluate the personal costs and
a. Implied (assumed) consent
benefits of each of the consequences, and relate
o Physical exam with doctor
them to your own set of values and priorities
b. Explicit (written) consent
o Risks are present; invasive procedures

Components of Written Consent Form

Battery  Explanation of medical condition that warrants
the test, procedure, or treatment
- No consent
 Explanation of purpose and benefits of test,
- As a pure legal issue, forcing treatment on an
procedure, or treatment
unwilling person is no different from attacking a
 Explanation or description of the proposed test
person with a knife
including possible complications or adverse events
- Legal term for a harmful/offensive touching
 Description of alternative treatments and
without permission
relative benefits and risks
 Discussion of consequences of not accepting the
test, procedure, or treatment
Exceptions

o An emergency in which medical care is needed

immediately to prevent serious/irreversible harm
o Incompetence in which someone is unable to give
permission (or to refuse permission) for testing or
treatment

4 Components of Informed Consent

1. Client must have capacity to make decision

2. Medical provider must disclose information on the
treatment, test, or procedure in question,
including expected benefits and risks, and the
likelihood of occurrence
3. Client must comprehend relevant information
4. Client must voluntarily grant consent, without
coercion (out of free will)