SP4.1.6 Introduction of Concentric digital and remote consent into clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Paper-based consent processes are associated with errors of omission, illegibility and unwarranted variation. During the COVID- 19 pandemic the Royal College of Surgeons (England) released guidelines supporting the use of remote consent. The aim was to evaluate the introduction of Concentric, a digital consent application, into clinical practice. Method: Between April 2020-Jan 2021, Concentric was used optionally for medical consent during registered service evaluations. Data was obtained from Concentric analytics. User and patient feedback was obtained via optional satisfaction surveys. Results: 3417 Concentric consent episodes for 356 unique procedures were performed by 170 clinicians across 16 specialties from 13 healthcare providers. Patients were aged 7-101years, (median 58, IQR 30). Of the completed consent episodes (n=2799), consent was given; remotely in 23% of episodes, and on the day of surgery in 67%. Consent form information was shared digitally with 82% of patients. Average patient user experience was 8.8 out of 10 (1 very poor - 10 excellent, n=594). 546/594 (91.9%) patients agreed that Concentric provided all the information they needed to know. Clinicians (n=23) rated the quality of the consent process with Concentric as 4.8 out of 5 with all supporting the use of Concentric across the Trust. Conclusion: Concentric has been successfully introduced into clinical practice. Patients and clinicians report high satisfaction scores. Remote consent is feasible and trends in consent practice, such as day of surgery consent can be easily identified and can guide quality improvement work. The introduction of digital consent solutions should be considered for all units.