Hello, I’m Melanie Morrill, an Edmonton Acupuncturist and today I want to talk about consent and what it looks like in my day-to-day work.
Consent is deeply ingrained in my work from the first intake form until the end of treatment.
Consent is giving people time to read consent forms and ask questions.
People must understand what they are agreeing to.
Consent means I knock on the treatment room door and wait for your response to ensure you are ready.
Consent means asking if it is ok to adjust the sheets and ensuring you are comfortable with where the sheets are placed.
Consent means asking if it is ok for me to feel/palpate your pulse, your neck and shoulders, your back, your abdomen.
Consent is easily revokable.
You can say “stop” at any time and your request to stop will be respected.
Consent is knowing what to expect.
When we are ready to start your treatment I will ask, “are you ready?” After you say yes, I will start your acupuncture treatment.
Consent is ongoing so I check in with you once the acupuncture points are placed. “Are all the points feeling comfortable?” If they are not comfortable we will adjust them, removed them, or give them an extra minute.
When they are comfortable, you can rest.
Consent is being given a call bell to use if you are done with your treatment, if you are feeling too warm or cold, or if you need to ask a question.
Consent is essential to my work.
Consent is essential to healthcare.