Original Research

Knowledge and practice of informed consent by physiotherapists and therapy assistants in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Kayode S. Aderibigbe, Sylvester C. Chima
South African Journal of Physiotherapy | Vol 75, No 1 | a1330 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v75i1.1330 | © 2019 Kayode S. Aderibigbe, Sylvester C. Chima | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 10 January 2019 | Published: 12 August 2019

About the author(s)

Kayode S. Aderibigbe, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and, King Edward ѴІΙІ Hospital, Department of Physiotherapy, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Durban, South Africa
Sylvester C. Chima, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Informed consent is a doctrinal prerequisite in accordance with the National Health Act 2003 and professional ethical guidelines. Current regulations stipulate that healthcare professionals obtain informed consent from patients prior to treatment. Misconduct charges relating to inadequate information disclosure have been recorded against South African physiotherapists.

Objectives: This study evaluated knowledge and barriers to informed consent practice among physiotherapists and assistants at Ethekwini District public health institutions.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilised self-administered questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse variables. Significance level and attitude correlation was determined using chi-squared tests, Pearson’s correlation and Spearman’s coefficient.

Results: Forty-nine respondents (43 physiotherapists, 3 technicians, 3 assistants) completed this study. Mean age and professional experience of respondents were 38 and 14 years, respectively. The majority were female (93%); 56% spent 5 to 10 min obtaining informed consent, mostly verbally (89%); while 47% correctly identified age of consent to routine treatment (12 years). Information provided to patients by respondents included treatment benefits (100%), common risks (81%) and ‘all material risks’ (31%). Fifty per cent of respondents showed positive attitudes to informed consent.

Conclusions: Some practising physiotherapists and assistants in KwaZulu-Natal public healthcare institutions had only partial knowledge of informed consent regulations and local laws. Barriers to informed consent included language and excessive workload.

Clinical implications: Patient-centred care is quality healthcare, and adequate informed consent knowledge improves clinical outcomes, respects patients’ dignity and autonomy. Continued professional education on healthcare law and ethics should be provided to practising physiotherapists and assistants.


Keywords

physiotherapy; informed consent; knowledge; clinical practice; public health; South Africa

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Crossref Citations

1. Traditional Health Care Practitioners' Perspectives on Applying Informed Consent During African Traditional Medical Practice in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Qualitative Study
Francis Akpa-Inyang, Sylvester C. Chima
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doi: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0687