The management of risk part 2: good consent and communication

Risk management relates to three factors:

All three actions must be performed to an appropriate standard.

However, valid consent is not just a verbal ‘yes’ or ‘no’ agreement, or a signed consent form, but an ongoing process of communication and understanding between the patient and clinician.

Moreover, if patients fully understand all of the implications of their treatments, including the disadvantages as well as the advantages, then they are likely to be more understanding if difficulties arise. Research into maxillofacial patients1 showed that many complaints, and potential legal claims, happen because of misunderstandings, rather than being directly as a result of clinical errors.

Appropriate consent is therefore not only essential, but invaluable, in reducing the risk of patient complaint.

But how is consent actually defined?

Consent is a continuous process, leading to patient understanding and permission for the clinician to deliver treatment. Effective dialogue, in the appropriate language and detail for the individual patient's needs, and understanding, is therefore vital. That communication must also continue for the duration of the treatment. General Dental Council (GDC) guidance2 clearly states: ‘Giving and obtaining consent is a process, not a one-off event. It should be part of on-going communication between patients and all members of the dental team involved in their care. You should keep patients informed about the progress of their care’.