Orr, Marie 
ORCID: 0000-0002-3336-3129 and Rosbottom, Keeley
(2025)
Departmental practice on informed consent in radiotherapy departments: a UK evaluation
JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE, 24.
e1-.
ISSN 1460-3969, 1467-1131
Abstract
Introduction: Valid and informed consent in healthcare is an ethical and legal requirement. This evaluation reports the practices within UK radiotherapy departments surrounding consent processes and therapeutic radiographer (TR) education. This article focuses on those patients who are considered to lack the capacity to consent. Method: This service evaluation adopted a qualitative research design. Seventy-six radiotherapy department managers were sent the online survey: containing a combination of open, closed and free text questions relating to consent practices. Descriptive analysis using Microsoft Excel was performed; additional correlation analysis was attempted with Fisher's exact test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: TRs from 39 radiotherapy departments (51%) completed the survey. Analysis of results demonstrated obtaining written consent before radiotherapy treatment was completed in all departments. Assessment methods used to determine capacity to consent varied across the departments. Responses identified 37 departments employ a different consent form for those considered to lack capacity. Thirty-eight departments have a policy surrounding consent; 16 departments reported no formal TR education in consent. Of the remaining 22 departments, 13 departments included lack of capacity within their education package. Conclusion: To ensure best practice throughout the UK, is it recommended that radiotherapy departments review their consent processes to ensure they are in the best interests of the patient. It is recommended that TRs are familiar with their regulatory body standards and the ethical and legal issues surrounding consent; all departments should consider capacity and those considered to lack capacity within their education and training framework.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Capacity, consent, education, radiotherapy |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jan 2025 15:54 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jun 2026 20:09 |
| DOI: | 10.1017/S1460396924000335 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1017/S1460396924000335 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3189874 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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