What consent is obtained when a patient is unable to give explicit permission for treatment?

Implied consent is the appropriate term in situations where a patient is unable to provide explicit permission for treatment. This type of consent arises in emergency situations where it can be reasonably assumed that a patient would consent to life-saving measures if they were able to communicate their wishes. The concept is based on the assumption that individuals would want necessary treatment to avoid imminent harm or death, even if they are unable to verbally agree or provide written consent.

In practice, if a patient is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated, healthcare providers may proceed with necessary interventions under the principle of implied consent. This approach helps ensure that patients receive timely care while respecting their autonomy as much as possible when they are not in a position to make decisions.

The other types of consent listed, such as expressed, informed, and written consent, require a patient's active communication or agreement to treatment, which is not feasible when the patient cannot give explicit permission.