What is verbal consent to treatment called?

Verbal consent to treatment is referred to as expressed consent. This type of consent occurs when a patient clearly communicates their agreement to receive a specific treatment or procedure. Expressed consent can be verbal or written and is fundamental in ensuring that patients understand and agree to the interventions being proposed.

In a medical context, obtaining expressed consent is critical not just for ethical reasons, but also for legal protection for healthcare providers. It demonstrates that the patient has been informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the treatment they're agreeing to.

The other types of consent, such as implied consent, occur when actions suggest agreement rather than explicit verbal or written communication. This might happen in emergency situations where a patient is unable to provide verbal consent, and it is understood that they would consent to life-saving treatments.

Understanding the nuances of expressed and implied consent is essential for healthcare providers to navigate patient interactions appropriately and ensures that patients are informed participants in their own care.