What does the term "voluntary" imply in the context of informed consent?

The term "voluntary" in the context of informed consent signifies that the patient must agree to the proposed treatment or procedure without any coercion or undue pressure. This means that the patient's decision to consent is made freely and reflects their own wishes instead of being influenced by external forces, such as a healthcare provider's insistence or the surrounding circumstances. Ensuring that consent is given voluntarily is a fundamental component of the ethical practice of healthcare, as it respects the autonomy and rights of the patient to make informed choices about their own health.

While other aspects of consent, such as the ability to change one's mind or involve family in the decision-making process, may be relevant to patient autonomy, they do not encapsulate the specific meaning of "voluntary." Obligation or familial involvement could impose a form of pressure that contradicts the essence of voluntary consent.