What is the term for consent given when a patient is informed of the risks and benefits of medical services?

The term that describes consent given when a patient is fully informed of the risks and benefits of medical services is known as informed consent. Informed consent is a crucial process in healthcare where patients are provided with all relevant information regarding their treatment options, which enables them to make knowledgeable decisions about their care. This process typically involves discussions about potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed procedures or treatments.

Informed consent is not just a formality; it is a legal and ethical requirement in medical practice that ensures patient autonomy and protects healthcare providers. It demonstrates that the patient understands the implications of their treatment choices and agrees to proceed.

When considering other terms:

• Implicit consent refers to a situation where consent is assumed based on the actions of the patient, without them needing to verbalize agreement.

• Express consent generally refers to a clear and definitive agreement given by the patient, which could be verbal or written but is not necessarily accompanied by comprehensive risk and benefit disclosures.

• An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person’s preferences for medical treatment in situations where they might not be able to communicate their wishes.

Informed consent is distinct from these other concepts as it specifically emphasizes the patient's understanding of the information presented to them before giving consent