Answer:
Informed consent is a process that includes all of the following steps:
You receive information (or get the information in some way) about the possible risks and benefits of treatment.
You receive information about the risks and benefits of other options, including not receiving treatment.
You have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers until you have no doubts.
You have had the time (if needed) to discuss the plan with family or counselors.
You can use the information to make a decision that you think is best for your interest.
You share that decision with your doctor or the team of health professionals in charge of your treatment.
If these steps have been carried out and you decide to receive the treatment or procedure, you are usually asked to sign a document called the consent form. Once completed and signed, the consent form is a legal document that allows your doctor to continue with the treatment plan. The consent form indicates the procedure or treatment to be performed. The rest of the consent form can be very general, stating only that you have been informed of the risks of the treatment and other available options. Or it may be very detailed when describing what the risks and alternatives consist of. Depending on how it is presented, you can accept with your signature a certain procedure or treatment, or you can give authorization for any treatment and procedure that the doctor deems necessary.