What does 'conflicted consent' refer to in healthcare?

Conflicted consent refers to situations in healthcare where the autonomy of the patient in making informed choices is compromised in some way. This can occur through several factors, including pressure to consent (as in option A) or a lack of full understanding of the implications of consent (as in option C).

When consent is obtained under pressure, the individual may feel coerced into making a decision that they might not have made freely if given the space to consider all aspects fully. This is particularly problematic in healthcare settings where patients often face significant emotional and psychological stress.

Similarly, when consent is given without full understanding, it reflects a scenario where the patient is not adequately informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives related to a treatment or procedure. This lack of comprehension can lead to a form of conflicted consent where the patient has agreed to something without truly grasping its significance.

By acknowledging that both coercion and insufficient understanding can lead to conflicted consent, the correct answer encompasses both problematic scenarios that undermine the true spirit of informed consent in healthcare.