What is a surgery consent form?
Perhaps you are a patient who
is about to have surgery, for the first time. A registered nurse is discussing
your admission to the hospital.
"Prior to surgery, you
will receive a careful explanation of the procedure, its risks and the
expected outcome. You may be asked to sign an "informed consent"
form, which states that you understand everything involved with your surgery.
You should read through the consent carefully before signing it. If you have
any questions or need more information, ask your physician." (1)
There are many different kinds
of surgery performed every day, all around the world. Before surgery can be
performed by a physician, the nature of the surgery and its possible
ramifications must be explained to you, by your doctor. By signing the
document, you acknowledge that you understand the nature of the surgery and its
possible consequences. The surgery consent form gives your physician permission
to perform the surgery.
The surgery consent form
protects you, as a patient. It gives the hospital proof that you have granted
your physician permission to perform the necessary surgery. It may be used as a
legal document, at a later date, and it must be witnessed when it is signed.
The type of consent form can
vary, depending upon the location or the kind of surgery that is going to be
performed. There is a different form for gall bladder surgery
or heart surgery, than there is for eye surgery. A surgery consent form from
one hospital, might be different than one from another hospital. Do some
online research and you will see samples of different kinds of surgery consent
forms.
Agreeing to undergo surgery is
a serious decision for anyone to make. But, now you understand
why you cannot undergo any surgery without signing a surgery consent form.
"But what if something
goes wrong?" you wonder. "What then?"
This is a legitimate concern,
particularly when the surgery that is to be performed is extensive or if you
are seriously ill. Then there can be serious life and death issues that you and
your family must confront prior to surgery. Obviously, there are no guarantees
with regard to the possible outcome of any kind of surgery and there are
advance directives as well.
"Advance directives are
legal documents that state a patient's preference in treatment and
resuscitation - if a patient is unable to speak for himself or herself."
(2)
There are two different kinds
of advance directives.
The first kind of advance
directive is referred to as a living will, which "states a patient's
wishes in the withholding or withdrawing of life support, if the patient
suffers from an incurable or terminal condition." (3)
The second kind of advance
directive is a durable power of attorney for health care which "designates
another person to make healthcare decisions if the patient is no longer able to
make them. This designated person also has the power to make the final decision
about cessation of treatment." (4)
Children are of special concern
when it comes to surgery consent forms, as a minor cannot sign a surgery consent form for
himself or herself.
"Parental consent is
required for any diagnostic procedure or surgery on a pre-adolescent
child." (5)
There are four emancipated
adolescent exceptions or those who can sign consent forms and these include,
"a person who is married, attends college away from home, has a child or
is in the military service." (6)
Every surgery situation is
different and there can be extenuating circumstances.
For example,
"Sometimes an adult
patient cannot make decisions (temporarily or permanently) about medical care,
either because of accidental unconsciousness, confusion due to old age, or
severe illness. In those instances, a family member will be asked to make any
necessary medical decisions." (7)
When you are about to undergo
surgery, it is important to understand what you are signing and why. If you do not
know what you are signing, make a point of finding out. Do not sign anything,
until you are satisfied that you understand what it means.
Never be afraid to ask your
nurse or doctor questions, if you are in doubt about your surgery or what you
are asked to sign prior to surgery. As caring, compassionate and concerned
individuals, they will take the time to help you understand more about your
pending surgery and what you are signing.
A surgery consent form protects
both you and your physician and is an acknowledgement on your part, that you
feel secure about putting your life into the hands of a competent surgeon.
(2) Ibid.
(3) Ibid.
(4) Ibid.
(5) Ibid.
(6) Ibid.
(7) Ibid.
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