“You must make sure that you have consent from service users or other appropriate authority before you provide care, treatment or other services.” – HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance & Ethics.
Every NHS provider trust (acute or community) will have local guidelines and mandatory training to cover the issue of consent. It is vital all dietitians complete this, and follow local protocol.
There are certain circumstances when issues around consent become more challenging. This is when it becomes essential to engage in multidisciplinary team working. The ethics surrounding the issue of consent would be discussed, and a plan of action would be agreed. These circumstances are most likely to be surrounding commencing or withdrawing enteral feeding when there are communication or mental capacity difficulties.
To find out more:
- NHS Choices – Public Information on Consent
- Department of Health - Reference Guide to Consent for Examination or Treatment
- General Medical Council – Consent: Making Decisions Together
- General Medical Council – Clinically Assisted Nutrition & Hydration Guidance