Why is informed consent necessary in healthcare?

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures patients are adequately informed about their medical treatment options. The necessity of informed consent lies in the ethical obligation to respect patient autonomy, which allows individuals to make informed decisions regarding their own bodies and health.

When a healthcare provider explains the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a procedure or treatment, they provide the patient with the essential information needed to understand what to expect and to weigh the potential outcomes. This acknowledgment ensures that patients can make decisions that align with their values and preferences. It also reinforces the importance of communication and trust in the healthcare relationship, empowering patients to participate actively in their healthcare decisions.

While protecting healthcare providers from litigation, complying with policies, and documenting patient preferences are important considerations, they do not fully capture the primary purpose of informed consent, which is fundamentally about patient awareness and agreement regarding their healthcare choices.