What is the purpose of informed consent in healthcare?

The purpose of informed consent in healthcare primarily revolves around ensuring that patients are fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with a proposed treatment or procedure. This process involves providing the patient with comprehensive information about what the treatment entails, including potential side effects, the likelihood of success, and alternative options that may be available. By doing so, informed consent empowers patients to make knowledgeable decisions about their healthcare based on their own values and preferences.

Informed consent is not merely a formality; it is a legal and ethical obligation that respects the autonomy of the patient. It fosters a transparent relationship between healthcare providers and patients, helping to build trust and promote shared decision-making. Understanding the risks and benefits allows patients to weigh their options and make choices that align with their personal health goals and circumstances.

While explaining treatment options, protecting the healthcare facility, and standardizing care procedures are important aspects of healthcare, they do not encapsulate the core purpose of informed consent, which is fundamentally about patient awareness and involvement in their own care.