(Why is this important?)
Knowing your rights and how to use them can optimize your treatment experience/outcome.
Autonomy
Consent starts with autonomy, your conscious authority over your body. It is important to know your rights when undergoing treatment from a medical provider. Autonomy is your right, as a patient, to make medical decisions without the influence or coercion of your physician. However, if you are a minor, there are certain decisions that will require the involvement of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s). In this manner, you must look at your doctor and parent(s) as a team when determining your best radiation treatment course.
Relational Autonomy
Relational autonomy emphasizes the role of others such as doctors, other members of your treatment team, and family members to engage your or your decision-making surrogate’s emotional experience and offer guidance without coercion. It is crucial to understand the social context in which you, the patient, exists and the consequences that come with being a medical decision-maker. This means talking it out, voicing all concerns and opinions you are aware of, including your own, and making sure you are comfortable with your doctor can be huge.
Informed Consent
Informed Consent requires that your physician discloses all information on a medical prognosis so that you can come to a reasonable decision about your radiation treatment. Officially, there are three aspects that must be laid out for you by your doctor: 1. Your illness 2. Your diagnostic procedure and treatment options, and 3. Risks, benefits, and alternatives (including the option of no treatment). There must be coherent communication between you and your doctor, allowing for the time and space for all of your questions to be answered. It must be ensured that there is voluntary agreement between you, your guardian(s), and your doctor about steps moving forward in your treatment plan.
Tip: Coming to appointments with a pen and notepad, taking your time when asking questions, and taking deep breaths, can all help to smooth things along.