‘Consent’ Is A Major Problem With Remote Consultations
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- Published: Thursday, 11 March 2021 07:42
- Written by Chris Tapper
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A survey undertaken by the Dental Defence Union has highlighted concerns dental professionals have when undertaking remote consultations.
The DDU has revealed that 52% of those surveyed said it was more difficult to obtain consent during remote consultations compared to those carried out face-to-face
The survey of 225 dental members found that the majority of consultations (91%) were by phone. Sixty-four percent were undertaken in the workplace, while 13% were carried out from home.
Other than the biggest concern regarding obtaining consent, DDU members were most worried about the ability to assess the patient when carrying out remote consultations (38%), and whether they had indemnity cover for such consultations (19%).
Other concerns regarded communication problems, maintaining confidentiality and taking contemporaneous notes.
Six percent of respondents were concerned about obtaining patient consent.
Leo Briggs, deputy head of the DDU said,
“The use of remote consultations has increased dramatically during the pandemic. While much face-to-face dentistry has resumed, remote consultations are still useful, particularly when triaging patients and when helping to protect vulnerable patients. However, they still present some challenges for dental professionals.
“It can sometimes be difficult to ascertain whether consent has been given. Another problem can be developing a rapport with a patient using remote methods as the patient may not be familiar with this style of consultation and may feel uncomfortable.”
“It is therefore important to put them at their ease from the outset. This in turn will benefit the consultation by making it easier for the patient to provide relevant information and respond to questions.”
“The DDU provide indemnity for members who carry out remote consultations during the pandemic. Members do not need to let us know they are carrying out this work unless it increases the number of sessions they work.”
The survey was held as part of the DDU’s Remote consultations webinar which focused on topics including: Dento-legal implications of remote consultations and the importance of consent, confidentiality and recording keeping when consulting remotely.
Dental professionals can watch the webinar on-demand here.
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