Fw: Consent PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDSWhere it is considered that a patient is unable to understand and, therefore, give valid consent, the specialistshould discuss the matter with those in charge of the patient’s medical care in addition to the carer. In theUnited Kingdom, no adult, including next-of-kin, can give consent on behalf of another adult (aged 18 orover). Different arrangements apply in Scotland. As the law currently stands a patient who lacks thecapacity to consent may be treated without consent providing the treatment is necessary and in the patient’sbest interests. Even where the views of people who are close to the patient have no legal status in terms ofactual decision making it is good practice for the health care team to consult with them, in assessing thepatient’s best

interests. This also may be a requirement of the Human Rights Act. Any such enquiriesshould however be mindful of the duty of confidentiality owed to the patient. When general anaesthesia isinvolved a joint declaration must be agreed with the carers and signed on behalf of the patient by twoclinicians.In an emergency situation, the specialist should proceed with treatment in the patient’s best interest.Integrated Care Pathways of Oral Care for People with Learning Disabilities, Faculty of Dental Surgery,The Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Society for Disability and Oral Health, 2001www.rcseng.ac.uk/fds/documentsPutting Rights into Public Service. The Human Rights Act 1998. An Introduction SincerelyLyudmyla ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Lyudmyla Huhley <huhley2006@...> " " < > Sent: Friday, 24 February 2012, 19:05 Subject: Consent Hi guysmany of you know about consent,but this info for those who just started prep for ORE ConsentA dentist must explain to the patient the treatment proposed, the risks involvedand alternative treatments

and ensure that appropriate consent is obtained.GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL, Maintaining Standards, paragraph 3.7The specialist should take care to describe treatment options clearly and comprehensively and interminology easily understood by the patient. This particularly applies to children and in addition shouldtake into account that English may not be the patient’s first language.The specialist should discuss all relevant treatment possibilities (including non-treatment) and expectedoutcomes with the

patient. In relation to children and those with learning disabilities great care should betaken also to communicate effectively with parents and carers.Decisions about treatment options should be joint decisions made between specialist and patient.It is the responsibility of the specialist to ensure that appropriate consent is obtained. The use of writtenand illustrated explanations is encouraged.It is the responsibility of the specialist to:• explain all viable treatment options to the patient• ensure that all necessary information and explanations are given either personally or byappropriately trained colleagues to whom this responsibility has been delegated• obtain written consent from the patient if a decision to carry out treatment under generalanaesthesia or sedation has been agreed• explain material risks that may be involved in treatment• consider and explain the implications of the

latest Human Tissue legislation when any tissue(including teeth) is to be removed and retained for example as a histopathological specimen• discuss the cost if this is applicableIt should be considered good practice to obtain written consent both for surgical procedures and any otheradvanced forms of treatment under local anaesthesia.The signing of a consent form by the Pt. SincerelyLyudmyla