Yes, No, Maybe?

Consent provides the foundation for healthcare delivery. It allows patients to participate in their own healthcare decisions and is gives healthcare professionals the opportunity discuss treatment options with their patients.

Over the past ten months, with virtual care becoming the acceptable norm, the way in which organizations obtain consent has evolved and it is now more important than ever to ensure that you the appropriate processes and procedures are established ensure consent has been obtained and recorded.

In particular,

1. Organizations should review existing policies and procedures to ensure they capture new ways of working

2. Consent forms should continue to include patient name, diagnosis, purpose of treatment, benefits, risks and alternative procedures

3. Signed consent forms should be retained/filed in paper files and/or electronic health records

4. Healthcare professionals should be encouraged to review and confirm that correct consent exists prior to providing care/communication with patients

5. Quality reviews of healthcare records should be conducted prior to patient discharge to ensure that healthcare records include the appropriate consent forms are included