Final answer:
A patient's implied consent usually covers non-invasive and routine procedures with low risk, such as check-ups, while informed consent is required for more invasive procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient's implied consent typically covers procedures that are considered to be non-invasive, routine, and with low risk. These might include basic diagnostic procedures like blood pressure measurements, body temperature, and routine physical exams, which are essential for ongoing patient care and do not require explicit consent each time they are performed.
An informed consent process, on the other hand, is more detailed and is necessary for more invasive or risky procedures. During this process, patients must be informed about what to expect during the proposed procedure, any potential risks, benefits, and the implications of the procedure, which then allows them to make an informed decision about their willingness to proceed.
The principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of respecting the patient's right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare, hence informed consent is a critical component in the ethical delivery of healthcare services.