What does informed consent ensure in healthcare?

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures patients are fully informed about the details of their medical care. This includes understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with a specific treatment or procedure. When patients have a clear grasp of these aspects, they are empowered to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their healthcare options. This process promotes patient autonomy and engages them in their care, ensuring they have a voice and choice in the treatments they receive.

While awareness of patients' rights is an important component of healthcare, it does not encompass the full scope of informed consent. Similarly, choosing a healthcare provider is important in the healthcare process but is not directly linked to informed consent for a specific treatment. Lastly, receiving treatment without questions contradicts the essence of informed consent; it is vital that patients feel free to ask questions and understand their care to make informed decisions. Hence, the correct answer centers on the comprehensive understanding that informed consent aims to provide.