The Role of Radiographer on the Use of Informed Consent

Background: Multidisciplinary health-care procedures do encounter some challenges that have some legal implications. One way of addressing these issues is by issuance and signing of medical consent. Obtaining medical consent is simply making sure that patients understand why a procedure is being recommended, which alternatives are available, what will happen if the procedure is not performed, how it will be done, and the risks involved. Aim: To assess information given to cancer patients before consent forms are signed and radiographers’ role on its usage. Methodology: Qualitative approach was used to assess patients’ information before signing consent and radiographers’ role of it. Open and close questions were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 18.0. Forty participants were used for the study. Results: The study indicated all the patients were adequately informed before signing consent forms. 86.7% of the radiographers were aware of the role extension and its legal implications but are not aware of any establishment practicing role extension in Ghana. Conclusion: It was revealed that all the patients who participated were informed of their diagnosis, treatment options, the duration of treatment and the risks involved before taken their treatment decision. Almost all radiotherapists were aware of role extension but were not aware of any establishment seeking to practice it in Ghana.