DS Consent Awareness

Introduction to Consent in Healthcare

• Definition and significance of informed consent
• Overview of legal requirements and ethical principles
• The role of healthcare professionals in obtaining consent

Legal Frameworks Governing Consent

• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• The Health Care Consent Act
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
• Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)

Principles of Gaining Uncoerced Consent

• Definition and importance of uncoerced consent
• Recognising and preventing coercion
• Case studies and examples

Assessing Mental Capacity

• The presumption of capacity
• Steps to assess capacity
• Handling situations where capacity is in doubt

Communication Strategies for Informed Consent

• Techniques for effective communication with patients
• Ensuring understanding: risks, benefits, and alternatives
• Culturally competent communication

Practical Steps for Obtaining Consent

• Preparing for the consent process
• Conducting consent discussions
• Documenting consent accurately and thoroughly

Special Considerations in Consent

• Consent for minors and individuals with impaired capacity
• Advance decisions and directives
• The role of family and caregivers in the consent process

Ethical and Professional Responsibilities

• The duty of care in obtaining consent
• Addressing and resolving ethical dilemmas
• Maintaining patient trust and autonomy