Hi all, can I ask what you all do regarding gaining consent from clients GP's if they have a condition such as diabetes (for example).
As I am relatively new to all this I haven't as yet had anyone that has a serious condition but i'm sure that as I get busier I will start to come across some of the conditions that the AOR advises against treating without consulting a clients GP. However discussing this subject with a friend who's been doing reflexology for years she told me that she never write's to GP's as GP's simply don't have the time to deal with it and don't take it seriously. She also added that as most of her clients were elderly or sick she would be forever writing letters & could potentially lose clients if she refused to treat them until she had written to their doctor.
Do you normally get the client to ask their GP if it's ok to have a reflexology treatment and then get them to sign a disclaimer or do you actually write the letter yourself to their GP - and if so do you actually get replies?!?
I want to follow proper procedure but at the same time I don't want to over complicate things, put people off and annoy doctors, I know they are busy bee's and I also know a lot of them think reflexology is mumbo jumbo! I'd really appreciate the opinions of more experienced therapists. I've been to a couple of reflexologists myself who haven't even given me a consultation, just taken my name and tel number - for all they knew I could have every condition going.
thanks
x S x
Hi Squirrel
When I first started studying therapies we were told to write to the GP and ask if the proposed treatment would be acceptable given the disclosed condition. We were told not to ask for GP's permission as GP's won't give permission as they are not insured to do so.
However a couple of years later and the thinking at our college had changed and we were told to ask the client to ask their GP if it was ok, and then get the client to sign a disclaimer to that effect.
Since finishing studying I haven't practised professionally, so I haven't come across the situation with paying clients - I'm sure there are plenty of others here who can give their experiences.
Ali
Hi Squirrel
However a couple of years later and the thinking at our college had changed and we were told to ask the client to ask their GP if it was ok, and then get the client to sign a disclaimer to that effect.
Ali
I always use the method above if the condition warrants it.
Hi,
I just tell the client they must tell their GP they are having reflexology. I don't tell them to ask the GP if it is OK unless their condition is not under control. For instance, in diabetes, if the blood sugar levels were erratic, or they were newly diagnosed. The GP will need to be made aware of any complementary therapy a patient is receiving so that their condition can be monitored as they will probably need less medication as their body becomes more balanced. There are, of course, some contraindicated conditions and then we would need the GP to OK it.
Hope that all makes sense!!
Maggie
I would say that it depends on the reason for the contra-indication.
The GP is unlikely to actively give you consent, they've got better things to do with their time, and that consent means that they're taking medical responsibility for something they don't fully understand, can't verify, and may not even believe in.
If having the therapy isn't going to actually harm the patient, or interfere with their existing condition / medication; then I'd write to the GP to inform him/her, and leave the ball in their court to raise any concerns (having mentioned that it is a relative contraindication) - effectively assume consent unless they object.
If the therapy is going to have a similar (or opposing) affect as the medication / condition; then ask the patient to discuss this with the GP, making sure that both the patient, and the GP (by letter) have the information to discuss; usually you'll get a sensible outcome, (such as expect the B-blockers to be a little more effective, so judge a slightly smaller dose).
If the therapy is an absolute contraindication, then you refuse treatment anyway, but you also have a duty to educate the patient as to that, and why, you can't treat - this way the patient themself knows, and won't just go shopping for a therapist that either doesn't know, or doesn't care that they could be harming the patient.
...and leave the ball in their court to raise any concerns (having mentioned that it is a relative contraindication) - effectively assume consent unless they object.
"Proof of postage is not proof of receipt"
Never assume as this could leave you in a sticky situation should anything happen.
Like GP's, we also don't have time to be writing to GP's and awaiting replies before seeing clients etc.
Put the onus back on to the client to ensure that they go and see their GP to discuss having any treatment, and provide the client with your contact details so the GP can contact you if they are unsure what you are offering their patient.
Then have the client sign a disclaimer to the effect that they are aware that the treatment may effect any current medical treatment they are receiving and that they accept the responsibility of working with their GP to monitor things in that respect.
Don't take on the clients responsibility or assume anything from a medical perspective.
Love and Reiki Hugs