Which statement best describes informed consent in athletic training?

• A. A process of providing information about procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives to obtain voluntary agreement; essential to respect patient autonomy and document understanding.
• B. A one-time signature that authorizes procedures.
• C. Optional in non-invasive procedures.
• D. A process of explaining procedures, risks, and alternatives to obtain voluntary agreement.

Answer: (A)

Informed consent is a process of communicating information about what will be done, the risks and benefits, and reasonable alternatives so the athlete can make a voluntary, informed decision. It respects the athlete’s autonomy by ensuring they understand what to expect and have the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing. This involves not just giving information, but confirming understanding and assessing the athlete’s capacity to consent, with the agreement documented. In athletic training, you apply this before any treatment, evaluation, or procedure, even if it’s non-invasive, to ensure the athlete truly understands what will happen and can choose to proceed or decline. A one-time signature captures a momentary agreement but doesn’t guarantee ongoing understanding or the opportunity to revisit decisions as plans change, which is why the process and documentation of understanding are essential.