Informed consent for carers

Informed consent means that a person understands their condition and its proposed treatment. People usually give their own consent to treatment.

Without the information that relates to their medical condition and treatment, a person can’t make a fully informed choice and give valid consent for their medical treatment. As a carer, you can help them to gather that information and support them in their decision making.

Carers can be an unpaid carer (partner, family or friends) or a paid carer (someone hired to look after a person). Only unpaid carers can make treatment choices for the people they care for. Paid carers are not allowed to make treatment choices for the people they care for.

Doctors and other healthcare professionals have a duty to explain:

• the medical condition
• the recommended treatment (including the other treatment options available)
• the benefits, risks and possible complications of the recommended treatment.

These explanations are essential so that a person can make an informed decision.

This is known as ‘informed consent’. Once the information is given, the doctor may ask the person (or their guardian) to sign a consent form. When signed, this form gives the doctor or other healthcare professional legal permission to perform the treatment or procedure.

Informed consent and the care relationship

Every care relationship is different. In many cases, the person being cared for can make their own decisions about their own medical treatment. As a carer of someone who can make their own decisions, you can provide support to the decision-making process. This can include helping with meeting preparation, attending meetings and asking questions and discussing the information you have learned.

Some people, for a variety of reasons, are unable to make decisions regarding their own treatment. Often these people will have a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney. Once appointed, the Medical Enduring Power of Attorney can give consent on behalf of the person in care.

In the case of an emergency, doctors and other healthcare professionals can make authorisations for treatment. They do not have to consult with partners, family and loved ones, but it is considered best practice to take a carer’s opinions into account at this time.

As a carer, you may have been given authorisation to access the medical records of the person you are caring for. You may have been granted Medical Enduring Power of Attorney, or you may simply be the person who drives your friend to their appointments. Regardless of the nature of your care relationship, you can always work closely with the person you care for, their healthcare professionals and their family and friends.

Before making medical treatment decisions

Before making a decision about medical treatment, it is a good idea to get information about the treatment and give yourself enough time to think about it.

Ask the health professionals for written information to take home to read or trustworthy resources you can find online.

The information that must be given to a person includes:

• the diagnosis and likely outcome (‘prognosis’) of the condition
• an explanation of the recommended treatment
• the risks of the treatment and common side effects
• possible complications of the treatment
• specific details of the treatment; for example, where it will be done and who will do it
• any other options for treatment and their chances of success.

If you are making the decision on behalf of another person, consider what you think they would want or follow their instructions if they have written them down such as in an advance care plan.

Read more on the Making decisions about surgery.

If you are having trouble making a decision

Sometimes it is difficult to decide whether or not to undergo a particular medical procedure. It is important to remember that it is okay to ask more questions or to look for second opinions.

If you and the person you care for are having trouble making a decision, you could:

• Make a further appointment with the doctor or surgeon to discuss your concerns and get more information.
• Ask the doctor or healthcare professional to explain the information to you again in a way you can understand and if either of you does not fully understand the information the doctor or surgeon gives, say so.
• Ask for a referral to another specialist to get a second opinion.
• Ask the doctor or surgeon for information in another language or ask for a professional interpreter if you prefer another language to English.
• Find a support group and talk to someone who has had the treatment or procedure. It can help to learn from other peoples’ experiences.

General consent form information

Before a planned treatment, surgery or procedure, the doctor will ask the person (or their legal guardian) to sign a consent form. The doctor, not the nurse, must obtain the person’s (or their legal guardians) consent.

The consent form will have information about the procedure. A typical consent form usually includes:

• the person’s surname, given names, date of birth, sex and referring doctor
• whether or not they need an interpreter
• an explanation of the condition, in plain language
• an explanation of the treatment, surgery or procedure, in plain language
• general risks of anaesthesia (if being used), which may be included in a separate form
• general risks of surgery
• specific risks of this particular procedure, listed by the doctor
• whether or not the doctor has explained the risks and possible complications
• whether or not the doctor has explained the risks of not having the proposed treatment
• the person’s agreement that information has been provided
• the person’s agreement that they understand that the procedure may not work or may make the condition worse
• the person’s dated signature to confirm that they understand all of the above and want to have the procedure.

Understanding consent is crucial

The signed consent form is considered a legal document. However, according to the High Court of Australia, a person’s signed consent is legal only if the person was adequately warned about possible risks and complications and has understood those warnings.

Generally speaking, ‘informed consent’ depends on whether or not a person would have agreed to the surgery if they had known and understood the possible risks and complications.

Consent can be withheld or withdrawn

The final decision is always the person receiving medical treatment or their authorised agent. They have the legal right to refuse consent or withdraw consent for any proposed treatment.

Where to get help

• Your doctor (GP)
• Your surgeon
• Carers Victoria
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner