Informed Consent

Abstract

This entry provides an overview of informed consent in healthcare interactions. By addressing what constitutes informed consent, taking a brief look at the historical significance of informed consent, and highlighting research that focuses on the informed consent process in health communication, readers gain a better understanding of this necessary communicative act for patient-centered healthcare. The Western value of patient autonomy is noted as necessary for informed decision making, and the problems when respect for persons is overlooked by not engaging in informed consent are discussed. The act, and end result, of informed consent is a recognized right for patients during healthcare interactions.