Ethical Practice on Informed Consent

Ethical Practice on Informed Consent

Consent is a voluntary and continuing agreement to receive a particular treatment (DOH, 2001).
The process of informed consent is involved in giving information and decision-making choices to the individual (Brazier and Lobjoit, 1991).
Consent to treatment is usually informal except in the case of surgery (Fortes Mayer, 2002). Before undertaking any procedure, health professionals explain to the patient what is going to happen and why.
The Human Rights Act 1998 (HMSO, 1998) states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, opinion and expression. NMC (2002a) also publishes that nurses must respect the patients’ rights to decide whether or not to undergo any procedure.

Discussion on Ethical Principle Implications

In clinical settings, nurses encounter ethical situations everyday. Therefore, nurses must be aware of ethical concepts. Obtaining a patient’s consent plays a significant role in daily practice. It invo...