What is meant by informed consent in professional healthcare?

Informed consent in professional healthcare refers to a process through which a patient is equipped with all necessary information regarding their treatment or healthcare decision, allowing them to make a well-informed choice. This involves clearly explaining the diagnosis, the proposed interventions, potential benefits, risks, and alternative options, ensuring that the patient fully understands the implications of their choices.

This process emphasizes the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare based on comprehensive information rather than a mere agreement or an informal conversation. The essence of informed consent lies in its thoroughness, ensuring that patients can consent to or refuse treatment with a complete understanding of what the treatment entails. This safeguards the ethical principle of respect for individuals, recognizing their ability to make informed choices about their health.