In the context of patient confidentiality, what is "informed consent"?

Informed consent is fundamentally about respecting a patient's autonomy and right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare. It encompasses the process of obtaining permission from a patient before conducting any healthcare intervention, which is essential in maintaining patient confidentiality and trust. This process requires that the healthcare provider gives the patient comprehensive information about the proposed intervention, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives. The patient must fully understand this information and voluntarily agree to the treatment without coercion.

While policies for sharing patient information among healthcare workers and legal obligations to provide care are important in the healthcare context, they do not capture the essential elements of informed consent. Similarly, merely signing a form does not encompass the full concept of informed consent; it is more about the communication and understanding that occurs between the patient and provider, ensuring that the patient is making an informed and voluntary decision regarding their care.