There are 3 key principles which must be addressed in order to proceed with treatment known as gaining consent. What are these 3 principles?

• A. Informed, voluntary decision, ability
• B. Informed, voluntary decision
• C. Informed, ability
• D. Voluntary decision, ability

Answer: (A)

Gaining valid consent requires three essential elements. First, the patient must be informed about the proposed treatment—what will be done, the benefits, the risks, and any alternatives—so they can understand what they are deciding about. Second, the decision must be voluntary, made freely without pressure, coercion, or manipulation. Third, the patient must have the ability to understand and weigh up the information, i.e., they must have the capacity to consent. When all three are present, the consent is valid and ethically sound. If capacity is lacking, or if information isn’t understood, or the decision isn’t truly voluntary, the consent may not be valid and alternative arrangements or further clarification are needed.