Read Again: Embedding Patient Consent into Your Practice

Consent is a vital part of everyday care in general practice, ensuring patients have control, clarity and confidence in the decisions made about their treatment and information

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Enhanced Primary Care

In general practice, where clinical procedures, communication and data sharing are routine, consent must be actively managed. It reflects a commitment to patient autonomy, dignity and transparency. For practice teams, ensuring consent is obtained, recorded and reviewed isn’t optional – it’s essential to building trust and maintaining compliance with regulatory expectations.

Where Consent Applies in General Practice

In a typical GP setting, consent plays a role in many daily activities. For clinical care, this includes procedures such as cervical smears, vaccinations and minor surgical interventions, all of which require informed patient agreement. In situations involving mental capacity – particularly among older or vulnerable patients – consent and best interest decisions must be made with care, following legal frameworks. Consent is also crucial in data sharing, including the use of Summary Care Records, local shared care pathways, or responding to third-party requests. These scenarios demonstrate that consent is not one thing – it’s a continuous, context-specific process that underpins safe and respectful care.

Consent and the Patient Experience

Getting consent right enhances the patient experience. It shows that patients are in control of their own care, that communication is honest and inclusive, and that their values and preferences matter. This is especially important for vulnerable individuals or those with specific communication needs. Whether it’s a digitally cautious patient declining SMS reminders or someone who relies on a carer to support their decisions, good consent practice ensures no one is excluded or misinformed. When patients understand what they’re agreeing to – and feel their voice is heard – it strengthens the relationship between the practice and the community it serves.

CQC Expectations Around Consent

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has embedded consent as a core component of its 34 Quality Statements, which now shape inspections and quality assessments. Consent is explicitly referenced in the “Effective” domain through the statement: “We tell people about their rights around consent and respect these when we deliver person-centred care and treatment.” The “Well-Led” domain expects good governance with systems and responsibilities clearly defined, while the “Responsive” domain highlights the importance of involving patients in decisions about care and being flexible to changing needs. These expectations require practices not only to follow consent procedures but to demonstrate them in a way that is consistent, documented, and clearly understood by all staff.

How Practice Managers Should Approach Consent Auditing

Practice managers are responsible for ensuring that consent policies are not only written but followed in day-to-day practice. Regular auditing helps identify any gaps and ensures your systems meet both patient expectations and regulatory standards. Begin by reviewing your current consent policies to ensure they reflect current guidance, including digital communications and proxy involvement.

Audit a sample of patient records to check whether consent is being appropriately documented. Review patient-facing materials to confirm they clearly explain how consent is given and managed and evaluate whether staff are adequately trained to assess capacity, especially for patients with cognitive impairments or complex needs. Finally, collect feedback from patients to identify any confusion or concern around how their consent is handled.

Consent should never be treated as a one-time form or a compliance tick-box. It’s an ongoing part of patient care that evolves as needs, preferences and circumstances change. By embedding strong consent practices, GP teams show their commitment to transparency, dignity and patient choice. Practice managers play a key leadership role in making sure consent is well understood, properly recorded, and consistently applied – supporting both CQC standards and a culture of respect and inclusion.