Final answer:
The process where a patient is informed about and consents to a medical procedure or participation in a research study is known as informed consent. It is a fundamental practice in healthcare to both respect and protect the patient's autonomy. The process includes a detailed explanation of the procedure and its risks and benefits, followed by the patient’s voluntary agreement and signature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process in which a patient is explained the procedure and then signs an authorization for treatment is called informed consent. This process is a crucial aspect of medical ethics and patient autonomy, ensuring the patient is fully informed about the surgery, including the risks and benefits, and agrees to the treatment plan voluntarily. The informed consent process involves a detailed discussion between the healthcare team and the patient, followed by the patient's acknowledgment and signature on a consent form. Before surgery, the team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesiologist, also reviews the key concerns for the patient's recovery and care out loud. It's important to note that informed consent is not only pertinent to surgical procedures but is equally essential in clinical trials and research.
A time out is observed before skin incision where all team members confirm the patient’s identity, surgical site, and procedure, ensuring that the correct surgery is performed on the correct patient at the correct site. Additionally, the surgical team reviews anticipated critical events, which can include surgeon-specific concerns like operative duration and anticipated blood loss, anesthesia staff concerns specific to the patient, and nursing staff verification of sterility and equipment availability.