Communication and consent

Effective communication and shared decision-making are the foundations of a good therapeutic relationship between osteopath and patient.

During the three-year cycle, you must undertake CPD in communication and consent to keep your knowledge and skills up to date in this fundamentally important area of practice.

A wide range of learning resources exist; the following are offered as suggestions:

• Reviewing relevant sections of the Osteopathic Practice Standards and supplementary GOsC guidance, such as Obtaining consent

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of benefit and risk by regularly reviewing reports, research and advice available on the National Council for Osteopathic Research website

• Case-based discussion or case studies explored with colleagues

• Consent and communication resources provided by other healthcare regulators and organisations, and education providers.

• You can use these resources on your own to develop your knowledge and understanding, or use them as the basis for group discussion with colleagues.