ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS: INFORMED CONSENT IN CLINICAL SETTING / INFORMED CONSENT IN A RESEARCH SETTING

Question 1

ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS: Informed consent in a clinical setting

Answer 1

Informed Consent

• The legal and ethical right the patient has to decide what is done to his or her body
• It is the person’s duty (Mental health provider) to ensure that the patient is involved in decisions about his or her own health care

Question 2

ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS: Informed consent in a clinical setting

• The process (x3)
• Must be voluntary and therefore, has not been forced in any way

Answer 2

1. In words that patients understand, the therapist must convey the details of a treatment or procedure. In terms of the procedure’s:
   - Possible benefits
   - Serious risks
   - Feasible alternatives
   The patient should also be presented with information on the most likely outcomes of treatment
2. The practitioner must evaluate wether or not the person has UNDERSTOOD what has been said. The patient is giving consent to proceed with he treatment (full knowledge and forethought)
3. The patient must SIGN the consent form.

Question 3

ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS: Informed consent in a research setting

- 3 main points

Answer 3

• Participants should be informed in understandable language to 3 main points:
  1. Should be informed about the nature of the research
  2. Should be informed that their participation is completely voluntary and that they are able to withdraw from or not to participate at any time (consent must be made without pressure)
  3. The potential consequences of participating or withdrawing should be presented to the participant. This includes:
• Risks
• Discomforts
• Limitations of confidentiality