For many medical activities, the patient or the substitute decision maker (SDM) needs to sign a consent form. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic we are not usually meeting face-to-face. Also, to minimize the spread of COVID-19, individuals should not share pens and papers.
For our Clinic and other medical related activities at the Toronto General Hospital (or any hospitals part of the University Health Network (UHN)), our staff member may ask you to give consent over the phone or through email instead of signing a form. This method of giving consent is legal and is supported by UHN’s Infection Prevention and Control Department.
For more detailed information, please visit the “Email Consent and Safety” section on UHN’s Virtual Visits webpage.
Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.