The Power of Asking for Permission

One common pitfall for new grads and younger clinicians is performing actions on a patient without explicitly asking for permission. This oversight, while often unintentional, can quickly make a patient uncomfortable and lead to negative outcomes such as poor experiences, missed follow-up visits, or even unfavorable word-of-mouth.

The solution? It’s simple: ask for permission.

Why Permission Matters

When you ask for permission, you:

1. Build Trust: Patients feel respected and valued, creating a foundation of trust.
2. Foster Comfort: Asking ensures the patient feels safe and in control during their treatment.
3. Encourage Open Communication: This can reveal critical insights about the patient’s comfort level or additional injuries.
4. Enhance Professionalism: Patients recognize and appreciate your respect for their boundaries.

When to Ask

Incorporate consent into all stages of your interactions. Here’s how:

• During the Subjective Evaluation: Start with a simple question like, “I usually begin by asking some questions to better understand your injury. Is this okay with you?”
• During the Objective Assessment: Examples include: “I’m going to perform some movements to identify what might be causing your pain. Is this okay?” “I’m going to palpate your glutes to see if this reproduces any symptoms. Does that work for you?”
• For Specific Requests: If you’re asking the patient to assist, such as moving their hair for cervical spine work, say: “Would you mind moving your hair so I can start mobilizing your neck?”

These small gestures of respect go a long way in creating a positive experience.

Beyond the First Visit

Even after building rapport and trust with a patient, continue to ask for consent. People’s comfort levels can change day-to-day, and something that was acceptable last session might not feel okay today. For example:

• Patient Feedback: A patient may share, “That exercise we did last time caused some discomfort.” By asking for permission before proceeding with similar treatments, you demonstrate attentiveness to their concerns.

The Bigger Picture

Creating a comfortable environment doesn’t just benefit the patient—it benefits you as a clinician. A patient who feels respected and safe is more likely to:

• Engage with their treatment plan.
• Return for follow-up visits.
• Recommend you to others.

Key Takeaways

1. Always ask for permission before initiating any part of the treatment.
2. Make it a habit, even after you’ve built trust.
3. Respect the patient’s boundaries to foster a positive, lasting relationship.

By prioritizing consent and comfort, you can ensure that your patients feel valued and cared for. This simple practice will not only improve their experience but also solidify your reputation as a compassionate and professional clinician.