Healthcare ALERTBULLETIN® A Risk Management Update | 2026 Issue
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Digital informed consent is a comprehensive, technology-enabled process that educates patients/clients about the proposed course of care, obtains their authorization and electronically documents their consent. (In contrast, electronic or e‑consent refers more narrowly to capturing patient/client consent and signature by electronic means rather than on paper – for example, completing a PDF form on a tablet during an office visit.) As technology evolves, providers increasingly deliver consent-related information through a combination of digital tools, remote platforms and multimedia formats in lieu of hard-copy materials.
These advancements in the consent process have produced a broad range of benefits, including greater convenience and efficiency, as illustrated below. At the same time, however, the shift to digital consent introduces a range of potential legal, clinical and operational liabilities, including communication gaps between provider
and patient/client, digital access inequities, electronic health record documentation challenges and regulatory compliance concerns. To counter these risks, providers and organizations must implement digital informed consent systems in a thoughtful manner and closely monitor results.
This edition of AlertBulletin® offers guidance for healthcare leaders and providers seeking to maximize the benefits of digital consent while minimizing associated exposures. The bulletin provides an overview of commonly used tools and basic clinical applications. It also addresses common challenges in digital informed consent
and provides strategies to help ensure patients/clients comprehend the nature, benefits and risks of the proposed treatment, as well as alternatives. Finally, a sidebar on page 3 highlights key legal and regulatory requirements to consider when obtaining
electronic signatures (e-signatures).
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