Our priority is to promote the well-being and rights of the sick person.
To know and be informed helps the patient collaborate with the doctors and nurses, be aware of his or her physical conditions, and choose the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic treatment during the hospital stay, signing what has been called “informed consent”.

> What is informed consent?
It is the expression of the patient’s decision to authorize health care workers to carry out treatment (diagnostic and/or therapeutic). > Why is informed consent required?
Medicine requires a relationship between the health care provider and the patient, for which an active involvement of the patient is necessary. Informed consent is a tool which allows the patient to participate in decisions regarding his/her health. Every patient, therefore, must be informed about the state of his/her health, the nature of his/her disease, the treatment proposed (drugs, operations, exams), the results of these treatments and their possible consequences, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives. All this is required and guaranteed by current policies in health care. > In what form is informed consent expressed?
Informed consent can be given by completing a form or verbally, always after receiving detailed information. > When is informed consent valid?
Only when obtained from a person who is:
- Above 18 years of age
- Able to understand and give permission
- Adequately informed of the treatment and its consequences
Consent must be given by the patient. Consent given by others, even family members, is invalid except in cases where the patient is a minor or has a legal guardian. > Why does the hospital consider informed consent important?
The obtaining of informed consent is hospital policy because we believe that a correct relationship between patients and health care providers is necessary for our work to be effective. > How and when does the preliminary conversation take place?
Informed consent is given after one or more conversations with the health care provider, who can use printed material to help give information. An interpreter or cultural mediator is available on request. > How is privacy protected?
The conversation takes place in the most reserved conditions permitted by the activity of the department. This is the moment to express doubts or ask for clarification, in order to be fully aware of the decision one must make. > When is it not necessary to obtain informed consent?
When a procedure is necessary or urgent for the survival of a patient who is not in the condition to make a conscious decision, the physician may intervene without informed consent. The patient will be informed on regaining consciousness. > Is it possible to revoke informed consent?
Yes, at any time before the procedure for which the consent was given.