What three features are required for valid consent to healthcare?

Consent must be voluntary, informed and given by a person with capacity for that decision.

In what forms may a patient communicate consent?

Verbally, in writing or through clear non-verbal behaviour.

Can a person with capacity withdraw consent after initially agreeing?

Yes. Before the intervention, a person with capacity may withdraw consent.

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales, what is the starting assumption about an adult's capacity?

Assume the person has capacity unless lack of capacity is established.

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales, why is capacity assessed for a particular decision and time?

Because capacity varies between decisions and may change as impairment fluctuates.

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Clinical Official deck

Consent and Capacity

Core consent principles and Mental Capacity Act 2005 decision-making for practice in England and Wales, including emergencies and younger patients.

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Q1 What three features are required for valid consent to healthcare?: Hint: Think freedom, information and decision-making ability.; A Consent must be voluntary, informed and given by a person with capacity for that decision.
Q2 In what forms may a patient communicate consent?: Hint: A signature is not the only way to agree.; A Verbally, in writing or through clear non-verbal behaviour.
Q3 Can a person with capacity withdraw consent after initially agreeing?: Hint: Consent is an ongoing choice, not an irrevocable contract.; A Yes. Before the intervention, a person with capacity may withdraw consent.
Q4 Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales, what is the starting assumption about an adult's capacity?: Hint: Capacity is presumed, not earned.; A Assume the person has capacity unless lack of capacity is established.
Q5 Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales, why is capacity assessed for a particular decision and time?: Hint: Capacity is not a permanent all-or-nothing label.; A Because capacity varies between decisions and may change as impairment fluctuates.

About this deck

Consent and Capacity is a 12-card flashcard deck covering clinical for paramedic clinical revision. Core consent principles and Mental Capacity Act 2005 decision-making for practice in England and Wales, including emergencies and younger patients.

This deck is part of the official SnapMedic flashcard library, written and maintained by working UK paramedics for student paramedics, newly qualified paramedics (NQPs), and experienced clinicians. All cards work offline once downloaded and use spaced repetition to move information into long-term memory.

Last updated 13 August 2026.

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