Define "informed consent" and its significance.

Informed consent is fundamentally a process that ensures patients are fully aware of, understand, and agree to the proposed medical treatment or procedure before it begins. This goes beyond merely signing a document; it encompasses a thorough conversation between the patient and the healthcare provider regarding the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed treatment.

The significance of informed consent lies in its role in promoting patient autonomy. It empowers patients to make educated decisions about their healthcare, respecting their right to participate in the treatment process. By providing comprehensive information, healthcare professionals help build trust, foster communication, and enhance the patient-provider relationship.

Informed consent is particularly critical in upholding ethical standards in healthcare, as it protects the patient's right to make choices about their body and health. This process not only diminishes the risk of potential legal disputes but also aligns medical practices with ethical principles such as respect for persons and beneficence.