Question

A 45-year-old female patient is told about the benefits and complications of a hysterectomy, and she agrees to the procedure. What kind of consent is this?

• A. Informed consent
• B. Implied consent
• C. Opt-out
• D. Passive consent

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In this scenario, a 45-year-old female patient has been informed about specific medical procedure details, including the benefits and potential complications of a hysterectomy, and subsequently agrees to undergo the procedure. The type of consent provided by the patient in such a situation is best categorized as "Informed Consent." Here is the breakdown:

• Informed Consent: This is a process where a patient receives comprehensive information regarding a medical procedure, including its benefits, risks, alternatives, and potential outcomes. The patient must understand this information and voluntarily agree to proceed. It is a critical component in respecting patient autonomy and ensuring ethical medical practice.
• Implied Consent: This type of consent occurs implicitly through a patient's actions. It is often used in situations where a patient's behavior suggests consent without explicitly stating it, such as during routine medical examinations.
• Opt-out: This is a form of consent where individuals are automatically included in a process unless they take specific actions to opt-out. It is used in various scenarios but not typically in individual medical procedures like a hysterectomy.
• Passive Consent: Similar to opt-out consent, passive consent involves a default agreement to participate in a process unless one actively refuses. It is less common in medical procedures where active patient participation is necessary.

Based on the explanation, the correct answer is: Informed Consent.