How does informed consent benefit patients?

The benefit of informed consent to patients primarily revolves around ensuring treatment clarity. Informed consent is a process that involves providing patients with comprehensive information about their medical treatment, including the risks, benefits, alternatives, and the expected outcomes. This process allows patients to understand exactly what to expect from their treatment, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their healthcare.

When patients have clarity regarding their treatment options and what those options entail, they are better positioned to consent to or refuse treatment based on their own values and preferences. This enhances their autonomy and participation in their own healthcare decisions, which is a fundamental principle of medical ethics. Additionally, informed consent helps patients feel more secure and confident in the treatment they're receiving, fostering a more collaborative relationship with their healthcare providers.

Although limiting physician liability, making it optional, or reducing patient questions are aspects that may be associated with informed consent processes, they do not directly relate to the core benefit of clarity that informed consent provides to patients in their healthcare journeys.