forhåndssamtykke

Forhåndssamtykke is a term used to describe consent given in advance by an individual regarding future medical treatment, research participation, or use of personal data, particularly in situations where the person may later lack the capacity to consent. The purpose is to respect the individual's autonomy by recording preferences that should guide decisions when the person cannot express them at the moment of care or research enrollment.

Scope and use of forhåndssamtykke can cover various areas. It may specify preferences for future medical interventions, end-of-life decisions, or the use of health data and biological samples in research. The scope is typically defined in advance, with conditions, timeframes, and contexts clearly outlined. The form of consent can be written, oral, or recorded, and it should be informed, understandable, and revocable. It is common for such consent to be revisited or updated as circumstances change.

Legal and ethical considerations frame forhåndssamtykke within principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. The approach aims to provide substitute decision-making when capacity is absent, while recognizing that legal status and enforceability may vary by jurisdiction. Practically, authorities and healthcare providers must balance the stated preferences with current clinical judgment and available options, and they should seek to confirm the validity of the directive if capacity returns.

Limitations include the unpredictability of future medical advances, potential conflicts with relatives or clinicians, and the need for clear documentation. Examples include resuscitation wishes, limits on specific treatments, or consent for using data or tissue in research. See also informed consent, advance directive, and substitute decision-maker.