Effective communication for informed consent in radiotherapy

Reducing the use of close-ended and leading questions to enable effective communication, patient decision-making and informed consent in radiotherapy

Published on March 1, 2026

Effective communication for informed consent in radiotherapy

Effective communication is fundamental in healthcare, ensuring efficiency, optimising workflow and enabling patients to make informed decisions about their care1. Clear and structured communication minimises misunderstandings, supports shared decision-making and enhances patient outcomes and satisfaction2. Effective communication aligns with the five key principles of communication – clarity, correctness, conciseness, completeness, and cohesiveness – which contribute to delivering patient-centred care (PCC)3. Despite these principles, the way healthcare professionals (HCPs) phrase questions can significantly influence patient responses and decision-making4.

National data supports this need for improvement. According to the NHS National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES)5, 16% of patients reported not being as involved in decisions about their care and treatment as they would have liked. Additionally, only 73% of patients reported receiving clear answers when asking questions about their care, and more than one in five...

Back to top