The physiotherapists' practice of informed consent in acute care

Abstract

In common with other health care professionals, a physiotherapist has to consider professional obligations and patients' rights. In a therapeutic relationship the physiotherapist is duty bound to go through the process of informed consent, and the patient has the right to consent to or refuse treatment and to be informed about relevant risks. However the practice of informed consent is subject to internal and external influencing factors including the attitudes of the physiotherapist taking care of the patient, the setting and environment holding the therapeutic relationship, resources and laws. The end result would be that the physiotherapist while acting to meet the patient's needs may be compelled to provide less than the necessary care.