What is meant by 'Expressed Consent'?

Expressed consent refers to a situation where a patient indicates their willingness to accept treatment either verbally or through non-verbal cues, such as nodding or other affirmative gestures. This type of consent is critical in healthcare settings because it demonstrates that the patient understands the proposed treatment and agrees to it, ensuring that their autonomy and decision-making rights are respected.

This concept is foundational in medical ethics and legal standards, as healthcare providers must obtain consent before administering treatment to avoid any infringement on a patient’s rights. Expressed consent is essential for establishing trust between the patient and the healthcare provider, as it confirms that the patient is an active participant in their care.

In other contexts, unconscious patients would not be able to provide expressed consent due to their inability to communicate. Similarly, in emergency situations where an individual cannot express consent, consent is often assumed, prioritizing immediate care over formal consent processes. Family consent may also occur, but it pertains to situations where the patient themselves cannot consent due to incapacity or other circumstances. Expressed consent, however, is specifically about the direct communication of a patient's willingness to receive treatment.