Consent and consent forms

Obtaining your consent is an essential legal requirement for any medical procedure, including endoscopy procedures. Informed consent ensures that you have a clear understanding of the procedure, it’s benefits, potential risks, alternative options, and any potential complications that may arise. You will be given all the information regarding your procedure prior to your arrival.

When it comes to endoscopy procedures, obtaining consent typically involves the following steps:

1) Explanation of the procedure: We will explain the purpose of the procedure, including why it is being recommended and what information or potential conditions it can help diagnose or treat.

2) Discussion of risks and benefits: We will discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure. Risks may include bleeding, or complications related to sedation or perforation. These complications are rare, but we must tell you about them so that you have all the information, and you can make an informed choice. Benefits could include the ability to diagnose, treat or exclude a specific condition.

3) Discussion of alternatives: We will inform you about any viable alternatives to endoscopy, such as other diagnostic tests or treatment options, if available. This allows you to make an informed decision about your care.

4) Opportunity for questions: You will have the opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification about any aspect of the procedure, risks, benefits, or alternatives. The healthcare provider should address these concerns to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is going to happen.

5) Provision of written consent: Once you have received sufficient information and you understand the procedure, you can provide written consent. This is scanned into your patient record and kept.

Please find an example of a consent form below.

For more complex procedures you may require an additional consultation with a doctor.

Patients who do not have the capacity to give their own consent will be managed in accordance with current legal requirements (mental capacity assessment and best interests document).