Consent as an ongoing process

Consent is an ongoing conversation that should continue throughout the period of care or service. In pharmacy practice this matters because care plans, clinical information, symptoms and patient preferences can change between the first discussion and later steps.

When consent should be checked again

• If the plan changes: for example, the service offered, the medicine supplied, or the next step differs from what was first discussed.
• If new information arises: a newly identified risk, side effect, contraindication or practical limitation may affect the person's decision.
• If time has passed: someone who agreed previously - whether in person or online - may need the discussion refreshed before proceeding.
• If the person seems uncertain: hesitation, silence, confusion or visible discomfort can indicate consent needs revisiting.
• If the setting changes: moving from an initial discussion to an examination, vaccination, test or remote follow-up may require a fresh check.

People can change their minds

A person can decline or withdraw consent at any stage, including after signing a form or after part of a service has started. If they have capacity and are acting voluntarily, their decision must be respected.

Explain clearly the likely consequences of delaying or refusing treatment, but do not pressure the person to continue.

Consent continues only while the person remains willing, informed and able to decide. If circumstances change, the consent conversation should be repeated.