The focus of Unit 4 is on communication and shared decision-making.
When it comes to patient/ parental consent for medical procedures, negotiation might not be the most accurate term to use. It’s more about guiding them through a thoughtful and informed decision-making process rather than using traditional negotiation tactics. Negotiation often involves trying to convince someone to accept an outcome they might not be fully comfortable with. Rather than persuading or negotiating for consent, the process should feel more like a collaboration. Collaborative communication focuses on mutual respect, where the healthcare provider and the patient/parent work together to understand the situation and reach the best outcome.
„Medical authorities define consent in different ways. …In any discussion around consent, the best interest of the patient should be priority.
NHS England define consent in healthcare as follows: ‘Consent to treatment means a person must give permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test or examination.’
According to the GMC’s guidance, ‘Consent is a fundamental legal and ethical principle. All patients have the right to be involved in decisions about their treatment and care, and to make informed decisions if they can.” 1
Learning Objective: By the end of this unit, you will understand the role of clear communication, empathy, and shared decision-making in empowering patients/ parents to make informed choices about medical procedures.
Pause for Thought
Think about the last time you had to make a tough decision based on balancing risks and benefits. What made you feel more confident in your choice?
After discussing the evidence and addressing concerns, encourage the patient/parent to ask questions and consider their options.
Use a collaborative approach. Emphasize that the decision is ultimately theirs, and you are there to guide them in making the best choice for their own/child’s health.
Provide clear information: Explain the procedure, risks and benefits in simple terms. Let the patient/parent know why the procedure is needed and how it will help. Educate the patient/parents on the necessity of the procedure, the benefits and the potential risks involved. Use simple, non-medical language. Ensure they understand the process and its importance. Encourage questions.
Informed Decision-Making
Offer reassurance: Reassure the parent by emphasizing that the procedure is in their/their child’s best interest and that the healthcare team is skilled and experienced in performing it safely.
Emphasize the benefits over the risks. Acknowledge the risks but explain that the benefits of timely diagnosis outweigh them in most cases.
Empower the patient/parent: The decision ultimately rests with them. Your job is to ensure they are equipped to make the most informed decision.
Informed Consent
The parent receives all relevant information and understands the procedure’s implications. They are not coerced or pressured but instead are empowered to make the choice.
Parents have the right to make decisions about their child’s healthcare. The medical professional’s role is to explain the procedure, risks and benefits in clear terms that the parent can understand, so they can make an informed decision. This isn’t about “convincing” them, but rather ensuring they are empowered to make the best choice for their child’s well-being
In any situation where a patient/ parent is hesitant, feeling anxious or overwhelmed, showing empathy can make a significant difference in how the conversation unfolds.
You should validate their concerns – let them parent know their feelings are normal and understandable.
Then offer reassurance. Be transparent about the risks but emphasize that the benefits, when weighed against the risks, outweigh the negatives.
Encourage questions, provide additional resources like pamphlets, a follow-up consultation with a specialist.
Pause for Thought
Think about a time when someone made you feel like a partner in the decision-making process. How did it affect your confidence in the choice you made?
- Clear, honest communication: Make sure the parent fully understands the situation, including the reasons for the procedure, the potential risks, and the benefits.
- Respect and empathy: Acknowledge their concerns and validate their emotions.
- Support and guidance: Offer resources, give them space to think, and encourage questions.
- Do the exercises.
- Watch the illustrative videos for Simulation 3.
- Participate in Role-play Simulation 3, practicing verbal de-escalation.
- Share reflections and key takeaways during debrief.
- “Consent – An essential guide.” https://www.medicalprotection.org/uk/guidance/consent