Consent

The issue of consent is of particular relevance to all hospital doctors. Our session on this topic is run in an interactive question-and-answer format and has proved popular when run as an F1 or F2 teaching session.

It includes case scenarios and addresses the fundamental concepts of consent and communicates good practice principles to improve patient care. In addition it helps raise awareness of the medicolegal implications of professional practice.

The following topics are covered:

• Why consent is important
• What is the process of consent and what makes it valid
• What do you need consent for
• Capacity to consent
• The patient who lacks capacity
• Consent issues relating to children
• Parental responsibility
• Warning patients about risks and complications
• Who can take consent
• Handling situations where patients may not want to be given information
• Refusal to consent
• Validity of consent over time
• Withdrawal of consent
• Emergency treatment
• Intimate examinations and consent
• Advance directives and living wills
• The new Mental Capacity Act and consent
• Medical record keeping with regards to consent

The talk includes case scenarios to stimulate discussion and check participants' understanding of the topics covered. Attendees will receive a copy of the MPS Guide to Consent in the UK.

If you would like to request a consent talk in your department or you require any additional information, please contact your Educational Co-ordinator.