Informed consent is a fundamental patient right and an essential step before carrying out tests, treatments or surgeries. Despite this, many people still sign this type of document without fully understanding its content, which can generate doubts, insecurity and even future conflicts.

In recent years, the increase in lawsuits in the health sector has raised an alarm: the lack of clear information for patients is among the main causes of judicialization. According to lawyer specializing in Medical Law Dr. Gabrielle Brandão, informed consent should be seen as a communication process, and not just as a formality. “THE patient You have the right to receive all the information necessary to make an informed decision. This includes understanding risks, benefits and alternatives”, he explains.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the authorization that the patient gives to carry out a procedure, after receiving clear and complete explanations about what will be done. This process should include:

• Explanation of the diagnosis or clinical suspicion;
• Description of the indicated procedure;
• Expected benefits;
• Most common and most serious risks, although rare;
• Alternatives of treatment available;
• Possible consequences of refusing or not carrying out the procedure.

“The most important thing is that the patient understands the information. The signature, in itself, does not guarantee that this happened”, highlights the specialist.

Importance of the document

In addition to formalizing the patient decisioninformed consent promotes greater security in the relationship with the healthcare professional. According to Dr. Gabrielle Brandão, many conflicts could be avoided with clearer communication from the beginning.

“When the patient is not well informed, they may feel deceived or surprised by results that, in fact, were already anticipated risks”, he states. Therefore, the document also helps to align expectations and reduce frustrations throughout treatment.

What should the patient observe before signing?

To ensure that consent is truly valid, some precautions are essential:

• Read the entire document carefully;
• Don’t be in a rush to sign;
• Ask your healthcare professional any questions you may have;
• Ask for explanations in simple language, if necessary;
• Confirm that what is written corresponds to what was explained in the consultation.

“It is important that the patient feels safe to ask questions and participate in the decision. This is a right guaranteed”, reinforces the lawyer.

Clear information is part of care

Informed consent is not just a legal document, but a tool that strengthens patient autonomy and contributes to safer and more transparent care. “When there is dialogue and understanding, the relationship becomes more balanced. Quality information is also a form of care”, concludes Dr. Gabrielle Brandão.

By Daiane Bombarda