Permission for care.
WHY IT MATTERS
Care provided without valid consent may be unlawful, and consent is a professional obligation.
WHAT VALID CONSENT REQUIRES
The patient has capacity They were informed They agreed voluntarily The consent covers what was done
WHAT INFORMED MEANS
Told what is proposed, the risks, alternatives and consequences of declining.
WHO OBTAINS IT
A practitioner able to explain the procedure.
WHY THAT MATTERS
Consent obtained by someone unable to answer questions is not informed.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT
That consent was obtained What was explained By whom When
WHAT WRITTEN CONSENT IS FOR
Procedures where the professional requirements or the risk warrant it.
WHAT IT IS NOT
A substitute for the conversation.
WHY THAT NEEDS SAYING
A signed form without explanation is not consent.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CAPACITY
How it is assessed, and what happens where it is absent.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR MINORS
Who may consent, and in what circumstances.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR EMERGENCIES
What may be done where consent cannot be obtained.
WHY IN ADVANCE
The decision cannot be made properly under pressure.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every consent, in the patient's record.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT USE OF INFORMATION
Consent for anything beyond care: teaching, research, images.
WHY SEPARATELY
Consent to treatment is not consent to publication.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Use patient images or information without specific permission.
