Definition

Informed consent is the ethical and legal requirement that healthcare providers fully explain proposed treatments, including benefits, risks, alternatives, and potential outcomes, allowing patients to make voluntary, informed decisions about their care. True informed consent requires adequate information, patient comprehension, and voluntary agreement without coercion.

Why It Matters

Informed consent respects patient autonomy and ensures ethical healthcare. It protects patients from unwanted interventions, enables truly voluntary participation in treatment decisions, and establishes trust in the patient-provider relationship. In naturopathic medicine, informed consent supports shared decision-making about natural and conventional therapies.

Related Conditions

All Medical Treatments Procedures Medications Supplements

Related Modalities

All Treatment Modalities

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete informed consent includes: diagnosis or condition being treated, proposed treatment and its rationale, expected benefits, potential risks and side effects, alternative treatments (including doing nothing), likelihood of success, and what happens if you decline treatment. You should have opportunity to ask questions and receive clear answers.

Yes. Informed consent is ongoing—you can withdraw consent or change your mind about treatment at any time. If your understanding changes, you have questions, or you experience unexpected effects, communicate with your provider. Your autonomy and right to refuse treatment are respected at all stages.