Informed Consent
Informed consent means that you agree to treatment only after it has been explained to you and that you understand it. You should know the nature of the treatment, its benefits and risks, and the likelihood of its success. You should also be told if your treatment is an experimental one.
The doctor should review any alternatives to surgery or other procedures. There are no guaranteed outcomes in medicine, but informed consent enables YOU to make a rational and educated decision about your treatment.
With Informed Consent
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•You cannot demand services that go beyond what are considered “acceptable” practices of medicine or that violate professional ethics.
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•You must recognize that you may be faced with some uncertainties or unpleasantness.
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•You should, if competent, be responsible for your choices. Don’t have others make decisions for you.
