Implied consent and explicit consent
Explicit consent is essential for any serious or risky intervention. Explicit consent means that the patient agrees voluntarily after being told
what is involved in the procedure,
why it is recommended
what are the implications or side-effects
whether there are any alternatives including the option of non-treatment.
Patients are often asked to sign or make their mark to indicate that the examination or treatment has been explained to them and that they agree to it. Signed consent can be important as an indication that some appropriate discussion took place between doctor and patient, especially where the procedure is risky, complicated or painful. The mere ritual of obtaining a signature has little value, however, if no proper explanation is given or if the patient is misled about what is involved or is pressured to agree.