Introduction Consent to treatment is the principle that a person must give their permission before they receive any type of medical treatment or examination. This must be done on the basis of a preliminary explanation by a clinician. Consent is required from a patient regardless of the intervention – from a physical examination to organ donation. The principle of consent is an important part of medical ethics and the international human rights law.
It can be given: Verbally – for example, by saying they are happy to have an X-ray. In writing – for example, by signing a consent form for surgery. Patients may passively allow treatment to take place – for example, by holding out an arm to show they are happy to have a blood test. However, since the capacity to consent has not been tested, and the benefits and risks have not been explained, this is not the same as consent (see below).…
