What is the primary aim of informed consent in healthcare?

The primary aim of informed consent in healthcare is to protect the patient's right to make decisions about their care. This process ensures that patients are fully informed about the nature of their medical condition, the proposed treatments, potential risks and benefits, and any alternatives available to them. By providing this information, healthcare providers empower patients to participate actively in their own healthcare decisions.

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle that respects a patient's autonomy. It signifies that patients have the right to understand what they are consenting to and can make choices that align with their personal values and preferences. This right is essential to foster a trusting relationship between patients and healthcare providers.

While concerns such as reducing hospital liability or expediting the admission process may be relevant in the healthcare setting, they do not capture the essence of informed consent. Similarly, while understanding financial obligations is important for patients, it falls outside the scope of informed consent, which primarily focuses on the patient's informed and voluntary agreement to a specific treatment or procedure.