Informed consent: An overview

Informed consent is a process, not an isolated incident. It therefore requires that health care professionals approach the process with expert knowledge, open communication, and a willingness to participate in shared decision-making. Table 2 identifies the major ethical and legal issues of informed consent. Legal precedents and professional collaboration will be necessary to further define and refine informed consent. The complexity of treatment regimens, potential system toxicities, and the chronicity of the disease process have fostered the development of a multidisciplinary team approach to the care of oncology patients. Therefore, collaboration is essential to meet the demands of the informed consent process and provide an optimal environment for the oncology nurse to intervene actively as a patient advocate.     

Informed consent: The ultimate right

Understanding the informed consent process permits the nurse to advocate for patient care safety and to promote good ethical and legal practice. This article has identified and highlighted the importance of the informed consent process. It is the ultimate right of all individuals, and the patient with a psychiatric illness is no less deserving of this ultimate right.