What is informed consent and when is it relevant for CHWs?

• A. An agreement given by a client with adequate information about benefits, risks, and alternatives; CHWs may support but not obtain medical consent; respect client autonomy.
• B. CHWs can obtain medical consent on behalf of clients after explaining only benefits.
• C. Informed consent is not needed for CHW activities.
• D. It is only relevant if a client is hospitalized.

Answer: (A)

Informed consent is a process where a client agrees to a proposed health care action based on understanding its benefits, risks, and alternatives, and the choice is made voluntarily with the client’s autonomy respected. For it to be valid, the information must be adequate, presented in a language the client can understand, the client must have the capacity to decide, and there must be no coercion. The client—or a legally authorized representative if the client cannot decide—must freely give the decision.

As a CHW, your role is to support this process by ensuring the client fully understands what is being proposed, clarifying questions, and helping with language or cultural barriers. You may accompany the client, verify comprehension, and help them consider options, but you do not obtain or sign consent on behalf of the client. The provider obtains consent, and you uphold the client’s choice, whether it’s to proceed, refuse, or ask for more information. This protects the client’s autonomy and aligns with ethical practice.

Not every situation involves hospitalization only; informed consent applies to any medical intervention or procedure where consent is required, and it remains relevant across settings.