Definition
Consent is the voluntary agreement, permission or acquiescence given by a person possessing legal capacity to permit a particular act or procedure to be performed upon him/her.
Essentials of Valid Consent
A valid consent must be:
- Given voluntarily
- Given by a competent person
- Given by a person of sound mind
- Given after understanding the nature and consequences of the procedure
- Free from force, fraud, coercion or misrepresentation
- Specific to the procedure being performed
Types of Consent
1. Implied Consent
Consent inferred from the conduct of the patient rather than expressed in words.
- Examples: patient enters OPD for examination; extending the arm for blood pressure recording; opening the mouth for oral examination.