What is Informed Consent?
A patient's agreement to medical treatment after being fully informed of the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes.
Understanding Informed Consent
Healthcare providers must explain procedures in understandable terms and ensure patients can make informed decisions. Failure to obtain proper informed consent can be the basis for a malpractice claim, even if the procedure was performed correctly.
Examples
- 1Surgeon explaining risks before operation
- 2Patient signing consent form after discussion
- 3Claim for undisclosed surgical risk that occurred
Related Terms
Medical Malpractice
Professional negligence by a healthcare provider whose treatment falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient.
Misdiagnosis
A medical malpractice claim based on a healthcare provider incorrectly diagnosing a condition, leading to improper treatment or delayed proper treatment.
Surgical Error
A preventable mistake during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside the patient, or damaging healthy tissue.
Birth Injury
Harm to a baby or mother caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or immediately after birth.
Medication Error
A preventable mistake in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that causes harm to a patient.
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