Informed Consent in Naturopathic and Integrative Care: What You Should Be Told

What makes consent valid

The UK National Health Service (NHS) says consent to treatment means a person must give permission before receiving any treatment, test or examination, on the basis of an explanation by a clinician. [1] For consent to be valid it must be voluntary and informed, and the person must have capacity to decide. [1]

You may change your mind: the NHS says a person can withdraw previous consent at any point before a procedure. [1] The NHS describes the UK rules; other countries and states have their own laws. For children the NHS says someone with parental responsibility may need to consent up to age 16. [1]

What you could reasonably expect to hear in naturopathic or integrative care

Using the parts above, a clear explanation would cover the following. This list is our plain-language adaptation, not a legal checklist.

• What the test or treatment is and why it is suggested for you.
• What benefits are expected and how strong the evidence is for your condition. Our page on how to evaluate a proposed treatment plan suggests questions.
• Risks and side effects, including interactions with medicines you take. NCCIH notes that dietary supplements may interact with medications or pose risks with certain medical problems or before surgery. [2]
• Alternatives, including standard medical care, and what could happen if you do not treat.
• Costs, including any supplements the practitioner sells. See costs, packages and supplement sales.
• Who is treating you and what their license or registration lets them do.

Your side of the conversation

• Tell every health care provider about the approaches you use and the practitioners treating you. [5]
• NCCIH suggests asking whether a practitioner is willing to work with your conventional health care providers. [5]
• If you have been diagnosed with cancer, NCCIH says it is especially important to talk with your health care providers before starting any new complementary approach. [6]
• Do not stop or change prescribed medicine on a practitioner's advice alone; talk to the doctor who prescribed it.

Pregnancy, children, older adults, kidney or liver disease, many medicines, upcoming surgery and a history of eating disorders are reasons to check with a clinician first.

If you were not told enough

You can ask questions, ask for time, ask for a second opinion, or decline. If you think you were misled, see reporting complaints and adverse events. The shared pages on informed consent in complementary care and second opinions give more.