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National Care Standards: Independent Specialist Clinics
3
Deciding on treatment
Pre-treatment consultation
Standard 3
You are treated with respect and dignity and, at the end of the consultation, know the benefits and drawbacks for you of the proposed treatment and can make a confident decision about having the treatment.
1 When you arrive, and at all times during your stay, you are welcomed and made to feel at ease. You can be confident that the staff will be prepared for you and will take time to put you at your ease. All members of staff looking after you or caring for you will introduce themselves and will know how you want to be addressed.
2 You can choose to have someone accompany you at your visit.
3 You are asked by staff to confirm that all your personal details are correct in a manner which is sensitive to your privacy.
4 You can be confident that you will be invited to see the facilities, before confirming your intention to be treated.
5 You know that the qualifications and experience of those providing your consultation and treatment will be confirmed.
6 You can be confident that, before your treatment, you will speak to the person who will be carrying out the procedure.
7 You can be confident that, before your treatment begins, your current state of health will be assessed, and your medical history will be taken, to make sure as far as possible that this is a safe treatment for you.
8 Your consultation is conducted in private and a chaperone will be available, if you want one.
9 You receive, and can discuss, information on the range of treatments which will meet your needs, including their effectiveness, side effects and recognised complications. These aspects will be discussed with you by a member of the clinical staff (nurse, doctor, dietician, dentist or clinical scientist).
10 You have time to ask questions and receive information. You can be confident that any examination or investigation will be carried out following a clear explanation of the procedure.
11 Your permission is sought about the collection of any statistical information about your treatment (including information that identifies you as the consumer) and what it may be used for.
12 You can be reassured that, if clinical photography
6 is needed, your permission will be sought.
13 If you agree to photographs, you know that these will be stored as part of your clinic record and will not be viewed or used by anyone without your permission.
14 You receive accurate, clear and easy-to-understand information about your specific treatment options, which you can review at your leisure, to help you to make an informed choice. You receive a contact number for any questions about services and facilities.
15 You feel confident that you have expressed your expectations of the treatment and that these have been fully discussed.
16 You can be confident that, before making your decision, you will receive a guide to all the costs involved. This includes the treatment, the consultant fees, clinic services and any creams, lotions, medications
7 or garments you will need to buy to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment.
17 You know that the clinic will make sure that you have enough time to consider your decision and are made aware of your right to have a second opinion, if you want.
18 You are kept fully informed and involved, and leave with an understanding of what will happen next.
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