What signifies that a patient has provided expressed consent?

Expressed consent is signified by a clear indication from a patient that they agree to a particular treatment or procedure. This can include verbal affirmation, which means that the patient communicates their consent verbally and thus demonstrates an understanding of what they are agreeing to. It’s important because this form of consent can be used to confirm that the patient is informed and willing to proceed.

Other forms of consent, such as a nod of the head, might imply agreement but can be ambiguous and open to interpretation. Documented agreements and written contracts usually represent a more formal take on consent, but they are not necessary for all types of consent to be established. The essence of expressed consent lies in the clear and affirmative communication from the patient, making verbal affirmation a direct and straightforward demonstration of this understanding and agreement.