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Informed Consent

Purpose

To ensure that clients receive clear, comprehensive information about foot care assessments and treatments, enabling them to make informed decisions voluntarily and understand their rights.

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Scope

This policy applies to all clients receiving foot care services from the LPN, whether in clinics, community settings, or home visits.

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Policy Statement

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) shall obtain informed consent from each client prior to providing any assessment, treatment, or procedure. Consent must be:

  • Voluntary; free from coercion or undue influence.

  • Informed; the client understands the nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives.

  • Capacity-based; the client is capable of understanding and making decisions.

  • Documented; consent is recorded in the client’s file.
     

 

Procedure

1. Provision of Information

Before care begins, the LPN must explain:

  • The purpose of the foot care service or procedure.

  • What the assessment and treatment will involve.

  • Potential benefits and expected outcomes.

  • Possible risks, discomforts, or side effects.

  • Alternative options, including the choice not to proceed.

  • The client’s right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time without penalty.
     

2. Assessing Client Capacity

  • Confirm the client is mentally capable of understanding the information.

  • For clients with impaired capacity (due to age, cognitive impairment, or language barriers), seek consent from a legally authorized representative if required.

  • Document any capacity concerns and the steps taken.
     

3. Obtaining Consent

  • Obtain verbal or written consent before starting care.

  • For routine foot care with minimal risk, verbal consent is usually sufficient but must be clearly documented.

  • For invasive or higher-risk procedures (e.g., debridement of wounds), written consent is preferred.

  • Document the consent process clearly in the client record, including the information provided and the client’s response.
     

4. Refusal of Care

  • If a client refuses care, document the refusal, the information provided about risks of refusal, and any follow-up plans or referrals.

  • Respect the client’s decision unless safety concerns require escalation.
     

5. Ongoing Consent

  • Consent is an ongoing process. Confirm consent throughout care, especially if procedures change or new risks arise.
     

 

Documentation Example (Verbal Consent):

“Explained foot assessment and callus removal procedure, including possible mild discomfort and benefits. Client understood and gave verbal consent to proceed.”
Signed: Elise Wood
Date/Time: July 1, 2025

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Responsibilities

  • The LPN is responsible for ensuring informed consent is obtained and documented.

  • The LPN must provide clients with opportunities to ask questions and receive clear answers

  • Clients have the right to receive care in a manner respectful of their autonomy and dignity.
     

 

References

  • Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses (ANBLPN) Standards of Practice
     

  • New Brunswick Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act (PHIPAA)
     

  • Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) Consent Guidelines

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