title: The ethics of informed consent: a critical variable in the self-determination of health and mental health clients.
abstract: Informed consent is a critical variable in the self-determination of consumers receiving health and mental health services. Consent has become a more stringent requirement in recent years. However, providers emphasize legal requirements rather than the true participation of consumers--the "spirit" of informed consent. This article discusses the elements of informed consent, the issues that reflect the "spirit" of consent, and recommendations for actions that foster self-determination in practice.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Manning
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Gaul
mesh_terms: D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005610:Freedom; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001523:Mental Disorders; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric; D014481:United States