To ensure patients are treated with respect, in recognition of their dignity and rights as individuals.
To recognise and promote patients’ responsibility for making decisions about their bodies, their priorities and their care, making sure no steps are taken without patients’ consent (permission).
To recognise that it is a general legal and ethical principle that you must get valid informed consent.
To meet the requirements of Regulation 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2010.
2. Scope
3. Policy
All staff of Queens Wood Dental Clinic will be trained in what consent means, including Implied Consent and Expressed Consent, and who can give it.
Making decisions about treatment and care for Patients who lack capacity is governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983, and the Children Act 1989. As per the criteria and procedures of legislation, these should be followed in making decisions when Patients lack capacity to make these decisions for themselves. It also grants legal authority to certain people to make decisions on behalf of Patients who lack capacity. It is the responsibility of the individual clinician to be aware and up-to-date on all legislation. However, Queens Wood Dental Clinic may give guidance on the current policies in induction training for new health care workers.
4. Procedure
For `Informed Consent` patients are given all the information they need to make a decision. See Treatment Planning Policy, particularly:
Communication is assured, through measures such as a `hearing loop` for the hard of hearing, or through an interpreter (may be a friend of the patient).
The patient is given time to agree to treatment, and is not pressurized in any way. The clinical staff will respond to questions concerning treatment at any stage.
The patient must make the decision.
Everyone is aware that the patient can refuse consent at any point. If this happens, the decision is respected. However, information may be given as to what refusal may mean in terms of risk.
Written consent is obtained for procedures carried out in situations where consent cannot be checked, such as under sedation. A written consent must not be altered once it has been signed by the patient.
Consent is recorded for every treatment. Advice from the GDC says:
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