What is informed consent in healthcare?

Informed consent in healthcare is fundamentally a process that ensures patients are adequately informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of proposed treatments or procedures before agreeing to them. This process emphasizes the patient's right to make informed decisions regarding their own healthcare, reflecting respect for their autonomy. It involves communication between the healthcare provider and the patient, where the provider must explain the nature of the treatment, any potential risks involved, expected outcomes, and alternative options.

This collaborative dialogue is crucial as it empowers patients to understand their choices and allows them to weigh the potential risks against the benefits of the treatment. Achieving informed consent is not merely about having a patient sign a document; it requires an ongoing conversation where the patient’s questions and concerns are addressed. This approach helps in fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers and contributes to better health outcomes by ensuring that patients are actively engaged in their care decisions.