What is the term for when a patient verbally or nonverbally indicates willingness to accept treatment?

The term for when a patient verbally or nonverbally indicates willingness to accept treatment is expressed consent. This type of consent can occur verbally, when a patient directly states their agreement to a treatment plan, or it can be indicated through nonverbal cues, such as nodding or positioning themselves in a way that shows they are ready to receive care.

Expressed consent is crucial in medical emergencies and situations requiring intervention, as it affirms that the patient acknowledges the treatment they are about to undergo. This ensures that healthcare professionals respect the autonomy of the patient and engage them in their own healthcare decisions.

Implied consent typically refers to situations where consent is assumed due to the circumstances, such as when a patient is unable to provide explicit consent due to their condition. Competent consent relates specifically to the capacity of the patient to understand the information provided to make a decision, while informed consent encompasses the understanding of the treatment's risks and benefits, which must be conveyed to the patient before they provide consent.