A deaf patient who uses British Sign Language is considering major cancer surgery. Their family offers to interpret. What is the best consent approach?
Valid consent requires accessible, unbiased communication. Family may support if the patient wishes but should not replace a professional interpreter for a complex, high-stakes decision.
A. Accept the family's summary without checking understanding: Information may be filtered and the patient's autonomy obscured.
B. Assume deafness means lack of capacity: Sensory impairment does not imply incapacity.
C. Use written English only regardless of preference: BSL and written English are not interchangeable for every patient.
D. Arrange a qualified interpreter and communicate directly with the patient: Valid consent requires accessible, unbiased communication. Family may support if the patient wishes but should not replace a professional interpreter for a complex, high-stakes decision.
E. Ask the family to sign consent: A capacitous adult consents for themself.
If urgent life-saving treatment were required and no interpreter was immediately available, use the best accessible communication possible while continuing attempts to obtain professional support.
Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for current guidance, local policy and specialist judgement.
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