What constitutes express consent in healthcare?

Express consent in healthcare refers to a clear and unequivocal agreement from a patient to undergo a specific medical treatment or procedure. This type of consent is typically communicated through either written documentation or verbal communication, indicating that the patient has been informed about the treatment, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and freely agrees to proceed.

The significance of express consent lies in its ability to ensure that patients are fully aware and in agreement with the healthcare services they receive, thereby upholding their autonomy and rights within the medical system. Proper documentation of express consent also provides legal protection for both the healthcare provider and the patient, as it creates a record of the patient’s agreement to the proposed treatment.

Other options present forms of consent that may not meet the standards for express consent. Non-verbal signals may be interpreted in various ways and lack the clarity required for informed consent. Assumed consent does not involve a clear agreement and can lead to misunderstandings regarding the patient's true willingness to accept treatment. Consent by guardians is only valid when the patient is unable to provide consent themselves, focusing on the patient’s best interests rather than ensuring that the patient provides express consent themselves.

Therefore, the option identifying express consent as written or verbal consent from a patient for treatment accurately captures