What does "informed consent" require from patients before undergoing a procedure?

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare that ensures patients are fully aware of what they are agreeing to before undergoing any medical procedure or treatment. For a patient to give informed consent, they must be adequately informed about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, potential alternatives, and any possible consequences of not proceeding with the treatment. This understanding empowers patients to make decisions regarding their own healthcare in an informed and autonomous manner.

This concept underscores the importance of communication between healthcare providers and patients. It is not enough for patients to simply agree to a procedure; they must comprehend the information presented to them regarding the procedure's implications.

Options that suggest patients agree without information, fully understand their medical history, or only provide verbal consent do not satisfy the requirement for informed consent effectively. Therefore, being informed about and understanding the risks and benefits of a procedure is essential for valid consent.