Title: Informed Consent: A critical exploration of its significance and interpretation with respect to Osteopathic and Physiotherapeutic practice

Author: Denise Coleman

Introduction
Aims and Objectives:
To identify the evolution and critical interpretation of the construct ‘Informed Consent’ in relation to the provision of Physiotherapy as compared to the delivery of Osteopathy. 

This is needed because there is the potential to emphasise and interpret the concept of informed consent differently according to each profession. It is possible that the conceptual frameworks from within which the two professions operate have an influence upon this interpretation. The result of this critical analysis may be to highlight any potential conflicts, or differences in emphasis between the two professions, if so the significances of these will be discussed. As the author proposes to be a member of the Osteopathic profession it would seem prudent to explore and comment on any differences of interpretation that may appear to arise. This should help to ensure best possible practice in Osteopathic healthcare. (S2K, GOsC: C5; E3, 4; L3.)