When should written consent be obtained?
Informed consent is a phrase often used in law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards. As a literal matter, in the absence of fraud, it is redundant. An informed consent can be said to have been given based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the facts, implications, and future consequences of an action. In order to give informed consent, the individual concerned must have adequate reasoning faculties and be in possession of all relevant facts at the time consent is given. (Wikipedia). UK case law on consent has established three requirements that need to be satisfied before a potential client can give informed consent:
1. Consent should be given by someone with the mental ability to do so.
2. Sufficient information should be given to the participant.
3. Consent must be freely given.
A therapist must always get informed consent to give treatment. This should be done by clearly explaining the treatment you will be giving, any risks that may be involved and any other alternative treatments that may be possible. A record of the treatment plan including all decisions must be kept and passed to all professionals involved in their care. Informed consent cannot be given by a client under the age of 16 so the parent or legal guardian are authorised to give it. Consent can be given either in writing or verbally and should be based upon the information being clearly explained by the therapist and fully understood by the client. The therapist should not just hand over a form for the client to sign as they may not fully read the details on it. An information sheet should be given which should include material the therapist feels is suitable for each individual client. It could also have details of any books or websites that could be of use. The information should include the type of treatment, the