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Understanding Informed Consent in Holistic Health Care

Tuesday, March 26, 2024, 03:30 PM

In massage therapy and all holistic health practices, ensuring that clients are fully informed about their treatment is a requirement and a fundamental aspect of providing quality care.

Informed consent is crucial in establishing trust and transparency between clients and their practitioners. This article explores what it means to be fully informed, why it matters, and your rights and role as a client.  

A client completing a health history form

What is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is a client’s voluntary authorization, agreement, or permission to proceed with the proposed [treatment] services. Informed consent is all about making an informed decision about the care you will receive.

Before your treatment begins, your practitioner will discuss your medical history, current health conditions, and preferences with you to gather more information.

They will explain the proposed treatment plan, including the techniques they will use and the intended outcomes. During this time, you can ask questions and voice any concerns.

Four Criteria for Informed Consent

The criteria for informed consent are typically similar to those for individuals receiving medical treatments or participating in research.

Information Disclosure

Your practitioner must share accurate and relevant information about the treatment or procedure. This includes details about the purpose and goals of the treatment, risks, benefits, techniques and products used, draping, general flow of the treatment, appropriate touch requirements, and treating sensitive areas.

Comprehension

As a client, you must understand the information provided and the potential consequences of your decision. This may involve asking your practitioner to:

  • explain unfamiliar terms and concepts (e.g., palpation, meridian, etc.) in a way that can be easily understood
  • offer alternative treatments
  • list the treatment’s risks, benefits, and costs

Competence

Clients must be able to understand the proposed treatment and alternatives and appreciate the consequences of accepting or refusing treatment.

Signing for Minors and Other Individuals

If you are signing for a minor (an individual who has not reached the age of majority in your province), you must be a parent or legal guardian.

If you are signing for an individual with mental incapacities, you must be a legal guardian or their power of attorney (POA).  

Factors that Affect Competence

Your practitioner may not permit you (as someone receiving the care or signing for someone else) to sign a consent form and proceed with treatment if you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol to the extent that your judgement is impaired, and you do not have the capacity to give consent.

Voluntariness

You must give consent voluntarily, without force, coercion, or undue influence from others. You can accept or refuse the proposed treatment without fear of negative consequences.

Your practitioner must receive a written and/or verbal agreement from you to proceed with the proposed treatment.

In many cases, especially for new clients, informed consent is documented through a written form signed by the individual receiving care or their legal representative. For subsequent appointments, your practitioner may only ask for verbal consent to proceed with the treatment.

Why Informed Consent Matters

Informed consent is more than a formality. It is a vital aspect of ethical practice in massage therapy.

Here are a few reasons why your practitioner requires informed consent from you:

  • protect you from harm
  • protect themselves
  • demonstrate respect for your autonomy
  • empower you to actively participate in your treatment process
  • foster open communication and collaboration and build trust
  • avoid misunderstandings

What are Your Rights as A Client?

As a client, you have the right to:

  • be fully informed about your treatment options
  • be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion at all times
  • decide for yourself if the treatment aligns with your preferences and values
  • refuse treatments or procedures
  • withdraw consent and stop the session at any time
  • expect confidentiality and privacy

What is Your Role as a Client?

As the client, you play a crucial role in the success and effectiveness of your holistic health treatment. Your role as a client involves:

  • being an active participant in your health and treatments
  • telling your practitioner what issues you are experiencing (e.g., pain, headache, trouble sleeping, poor range of motion, etc.)
  • telling your practitioner the outcomes you would like from the treatments
  • answering all of your practitioner's questions honestly and accurately, as this will affect the treatment outcomes
  • disclosing pre-existing conditions and all medications you are taking
  • giving the practitioner honest, frequent feedback

Schedule an Informed Holistic Health Treatment Today!

Informed consent is an essential aspect of the client-practitioner relationship. All NHPC members are required to follow professional standards for safe and effective care.

The NHPC and our members prioritize transparency, open communication, client safety, and comfort. Book a session with an NHPC practitioner.

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