Informed Consent in Nursing Practice Introduction

Informed Consent in Nursing Practice Introduction

Informed Consent in Nursing Practice Introduction

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in nursing practice that enhance patient's involvement in their management (Lawtonet al., 2017). Informed consent is not all about approval of medical procedures but involves a complex interplay of cultural, ethical, moral, and legal factors (Glaseret al., 2020). Factors such as individual beliefs, values, and perspectives significantly impact how therapeutic interventions are valued and acknowledged in clinical practice (Cocanour, 2017). The ethical aspect of informed consent focuses on the autonomy of patients in decision-making and the benefit of guiding healthcare providers to act in the patient's best interests (Varkey, 2021). Nusbaumet al. (2017) state how nurses often encounter ethical, legal, and moral dilemmas to ensure patient autonomy while considering risks and benefits. In the UK, informed consent is regulated by laws that dictate nurses' duties to ensure patients understand their treatment and consent voluntarily. This essay critically explores nurses' complex challenges in managing cultural, ethical, moral, and legal aspects of informed consent, aiming to elucidate their efforts to maintain autonomy, deliver compassionate care, and meet legal obligations in healthcare settings. Scenario The clinical scenario involves Mr. SM, a middle-aged man who has been admitted to a level 5 hospital in the United Kingdom for a surgical procedure to address a longstanding medical issue. Mr. SM, a pseudonym used to maintain confidentiality, presents with symptoms that have significantly impacted his daily life and well-being. Upon admission, Mr. SM is informed by his healthcare team about the proposed surgical intervention, which is considered a potential solution to ease his symptoms and enhance his overall well-being. However, Mr. SM faces a daunting decision regarding his treatment options. The surgical procedure carries inherent risks and uncertainties, prompting Mr. SM to weigh the potential