The Importance Of Consent In Education

Patients require the proper information to decide on whether to accept treatments that have been recommended by their physicians. This is a concern of both law and ethics as it brings forward the question and reasoning behind the refusal of treatment: is the information provided substantial enough for them to make the decision to consent or refuse, and does the refusal indicate a sign that the patient requires further education. There are risks for a person’s well-being that come with a patient’s refusal for treatment; which then makes it the physician’s responsibility to continue to educate, and gently encourage the patient towards the recommended treatment. Other issues regarding the refusal of a recommended treatment also include, taking into account a person’s mental capacity, and whether these decisions should be overridden by guardians or the courts. In addition, there is a question as to whether a person can make this choice on behalf of a dependent, and if an adolescent who is able to consent to treatment as a “mature minor” is able to equally decline a treatment. The key concern is whether disclosure for consent is the same as refusal, and if their understanding of the education provided to them is the same in both instances.

A patient’s right to refuse treatments and how this …show more content…
There is not enough support for patients who take this route, since it becomes a question of ethical practice. When a patient undergoing chemotherapy decides to discontinue treatment, often both family members and practitioners try to dissuade them. This however is becoming more accepting as patient rights are taken into account more and more, particularly with disease states and the right to die. It is not so black and white anymore, and there is an increasing need to take into account how a patient would like to proceed with their treatments or