Consent Best Practices  

Consent is a fundamental part of any health-care appointment – and it’s more than just a form or checkbox. It’s an ongoing conversation that allows patients to feel safe and in control of what happens during their appointment.  

Consent isn’t something you obtain as a one-time step. It needs to be maintained through ongoing communication and check-ins.   

As a health-care provider, it’s your responsibility to ensure patients understand what they’re consenting to and can ask questions at every stage of their care. 

To support you in having these conversations, we’ve developed a series of short videos. The videos show what good practice looks like when it comes to getting consent, along with what not to do, so you can see the difference in action.  

Fundamentals of Consent at Any Stage 

No matter what type of treatment or assessment you’re proposing, every consent conversation must include a few key things.  

Make sure you explain: 

• What will happen during the treatment/assessment 
• The expected benefits  
• Any risks or potential side effects  
• Alternative assessment/treatment options  
• What could happen if the patient chooses not to have the assessment/treatment  

You must also:  

• Answer any questions the patient has 

• Let them know they can stop the treatment or assessment at any time

Make sure you address any communication barriers so the patient can participate fully in the conversation, for example by contacting an interpreter if needed.  

If the patient does not have the mental capacity to provide consent themselves, you need to involve a substitute decision maker. 

Getting Consent for an Assessment  

It’s a busy day at the clinic where you work and you’re seeing a new patient for the first time.   

You’re happy to see the patient has already signed the consent form. That means you can get started with the assessment right away, right? Not so fast!  

Let’s look at an example where the physiotherapist fails to get consent. Then we’ll see what they should have done instead.   

Do: 

• Introduce yourself  
• Explain what the assessment will look like 
• Explain the benefits and risks 
• Ask the patient if they have any questions 
• If the assessment involves removing clothing, provide options (for example, wearing a tank top or robe, or offering draping) 
• Clearly ask if it’s OK to begin 

Don’t:  

• Assume because the patient has signed the consent form, you can start the assessment 

• Assume just because the patient nods, you have received consent; instead ask open-ended questions to confirm they understand what you’re asking 

Treating Sensitive Areas and Controlled Acts 

When treatment involves touching sensitive areas, like the chest, buttocks or groin, you need to take extra care when getting consent. 

Let’s see what that could look like in practice: 

Now let’s watch an example about introducing a controlled act like acupuncture:  

Do:  

• Explain the treatment, including where you will touch and why 
• Explain the risks and benefits 
• Offer alternative treatment options 
• Ask if the patient has any questions  
• Remind them they can stop the treatment at any time  
• Check that the patient is comfortable  
• Clearly ask if it’s OK to proceed 

Don’t: 

• Assume because the patient consented to a treatment before, you can do it again today without asking 

Involving a Physiotherapist Assistant  

Always get consent from a patient before involving a physiotherapist assistant in their care.  

Do: 

• Introduce the physiotherapist assistant by their name and title 
• Explain the physiotherapist assistant’s role and how you will continue to be involved in the patient’s care 
• Ask the patient if they have any questions  
• Verbally confirm the patient is OK working with the physiotherapist assistant  

Don’t: 

• Leave the patient to work with a physiotherapist assistant without introducing them or explaining their role 

Consent Must be Ongoing  

Consent should be part of every interaction – not just at the start of care. As treatment progresses, patients’ needs and preferences may change. Make it a habit to pause, explain what’s happening, and ask before you proceed.  

Clear, ongoing communication builds trust, supports patient-centered care, and helps ensure you’re meeting your professional and legal obligations. 

Remember:  

• Consent is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time step 
• Always explain what you’re doing, why, and what the options are 
• Identify and address any barriers to communication 
• Don’t rely on forms, past consent, or body language alone – always ask 
• Check in regularly and answer questions clearly 
• Patients can say no or change their mind at any time 

To wrap up, let’s review what maintaining ongoing consent through assessment and treatment might look like:  

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