How should informed consent be obtained in radiography?

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The main idea here is that informed consent in radiography means confirming that the patient truly understands what the imaging involves, including why it’s being done, what benefits are expected, and what risks or alternatives exist, before the exam starts. The best approach is to clearly explain the purpose of the radiographic exam, the expected benefits, any potential risks such as radiation exposure or reactions to contrast material if used, and any alternatives or the option to decline. Then you verify understanding—often by asking the patient to describe in their own words what will happen and what the risks and benefits are—and obtain their explicit consent, followed by thorough documentation in the chart. This documentation should note who obtained the consent, what information was provided, and any questions or decisions the patient raised.

This approach contrasts with obtaining consent after the exam, which bypasses patient autonomy and can expose the patient to procedures without a proper informed basis. It also avoids limiting information to benefits only or treating consent as optional, which would fail to respect the patient’s right to be informed and to consent freely. In radiography, it’s important to tailor the discussion to the individual, consider capacity and language barriers, and ensure the patient understands any specific risks related to radiation and any contrast agents.