Write informed consent paragraphs
AI creates plain-language informed consent paragraphs for procedures, including purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Write informed consent paragraphs
River's Consent Form Paragraph Writer creates clear, plain-language informed consent documentation for medical procedures. You specify the procedure, and the AI writes complete consent paragraph covering procedure purpose, what will happen, common risks and complications, benefits, alternatives, and patient rights. The language is accessible to patients while meeting legal informed consent requirements. Perfect for physicians obtaining consent, medical staff preparing consent forms, or anyone needing patient-friendly consent documentation.
Unlike dense, legalistic consent forms patients can't understand, this tool creates consent language that genuinely informs. True informed consent requires patient understanding, not just signature on incomprehensible legal document. The AI writes in plain language, defines medical terms, uses active voice, and organizes information logically. The consent paragraph explains what patient needs to know to make informed decision. When consent documentation is clear and complete, it protects both patient autonomy and provider legally.
This tool is perfect for physicians obtaining procedural consent, clinical staff preparing consent documents, medical facilities standardizing consent language, or anyone needing clear informed consent documentation. If your consent forms are overly technical or patients express confusion, this creates accessible consent language. Use it for any procedure requiring written informed consent.
Elements of Informed Consent
Informed consent has essential elements: explanation of procedure (what will be done and why), risks and benefits (what could go wrong and what patient gains), alternatives (including option to decline), patient opportunity to ask questions, and voluntary agreement without coercion. Simply obtaining signature without ensuring understanding is not informed consent. Patient must have capacity to make decision and adequate information to weigh options. Consent is process, not just form. Take time to explain, answer questions, and verify patient understands key points.
Good consent documentation uses plain language patients can understand. Avoid medical jargon or define terms when necessary. Instead of 'subcutaneous tissue,' say 'tissue beneath the skin.' Instead of 'myocardial infarction,' say 'heart attack.' Write at 6th to 8th grade reading level. Use short sentences. Break information into sections with headings. List risks and benefits clearly. Include both common minor complications and rare serious ones. Document that patient had opportunity to ask questions and that questions were answered.
Consent is ongoing conversation, not one-time event. Check understanding by asking patient to explain procedure in their own words (teach-back method). Clarify misconceptions. Document this discussion. Include date, time, who obtained consent, that risks/benefits/alternatives were explained, that questions were answered, and that patient agreed voluntarily. Patient can withdraw consent at any time. If clinical situation changes significantly, obtain consent again. Good consent process respects patient autonomy and creates partnership in healthcare decisions.
What You Get
Plain-language consent paragraph
Procedure purpose and description
Common risks and rare serious complications
Benefits and expected outcomes
Alternatives including option to decline
Patient rights statement
How It Works
- 1Specify procedureTell AI what procedure needs consent
- 2AI writes consent paragraphCreates complete informed consent language in 2-3 minutes
- 3Review and customizeVerify accuracy, add procedure-specific details
- 4Use for consent processInclude in consent form or use for verbal consent discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What risks should be included in consent?
Include common risks even if minor (bruising, pain, infection) and rare serious risks (death, permanent disability, major complications). General rule: disclose risks reasonable person would want to know to make decision. For surgery, always include infection, bleeding, pain, anesthesia risks, and procedure-specific complications. Document both frequency (common vs rare) and severity (minor vs serious). Don't minimize risks, but provide context so patient can assess them reasonably.
How detailed should consent explanation be?
Detailed enough for patient to make informed decision, but not so technical they can't understand. Explain procedure in plain language: what you'll do, how you'll do it, how long it takes, what patient will experience. Cover key risks and benefits. Mention main alternatives. Patient doesn't need to understand procedure at medical school level, but should grasp essential information needed to consent or decline intelligently.
What if patient doesn't speak English well?
Use qualified medical interpreter. Don't rely on family members to interpret consent, as this creates conflicts of interest and accuracy issues. Many health systems have interpreter services. Document that interpretation was provided and by whom. Provide written consent forms in patient's language if available. True informed consent requires patient understanding, which requires communication in language they comprehend. It's worth extra time to ensure real understanding.
Can patients give verbal consent instead of written?
For many procedures, verbal consent is acceptable and should be documented in medical record: 'Informed consent obtained verbally after explaining procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Patient's questions answered. Patient agreed to proceed.' Written consent is required for invasive procedures, surgeries, anesthesia, high-risk procedures, research participation, and often dictated by facility policy. Check your institution's requirements. Even when written consent required, have verbal discussion too. Consent is conversation, not just signature.
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