A perfect storm is brewing around the concept of "informed consent" and its impact may have wide-ranging business implications for healthcare facilities that do not heed thewarning signs.rnIt has been noted that all too often, informed consent is seen simply as a burdensome administrative practice that involves obtaining a signature on a form for the legal protection of physicians and institutions. Although the document itself might contain detailed information about the procedure and related issues (e.g., possible risks or side effects), providers may not take the time to ensure the patient fully understands all aspects of the care they are about to receive. The consent document, frequently written in medical or legal jargon, is normally signed shortly before the patient undergoes the procedure for which they have been scheduled, oftentimes when he or she may be under stress and have little time to decipher or consider all issues presented in the document.
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