Communication & Consent in Clinical Practice

An essential CPD course for osteopaths, chiropractors and all physical therapists, exploring the critical intersection of effective communication, informed consent, and patient-centred care.

Prof Steven Vogel

The Academy of Physical Medicine

Wed March 25th, 2026

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Course Overview

Why Communication & Consent Matters

Effective communication is the foundation of exceptional patient care. This course equips you with the skills to navigate complex consent discussions with confidence.

In modern healthcare practice, the quality of communication between practitioner and patient directly impacts clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and professional safety. This course addresses the growing need for practitioners to master the art of informed consent while building therapeutic relationships.

Through evidence-based approaches and practical exercises, you will develop skills that enhance your clinical practice and protect both you and your patients.

Master difficult conversations with patients

Understand legal and ethical frameworks

Build stronger therapeutic relationships

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Implement robust consent processes

Who Should Attend?

This course is specifically designed for osteopaths, chiropractors and other physical therapists at all stages of their careers who wish to enhance their communication skills and ensure their consent processes meet the highest standards. There are 30 places available in total.

Your Instructor

Professor Steven Vogel

Prof Vogel is Professor of Musculoskeletal Health and Care at the Health Sciences University. He practised in the UK National Health Service in primary care for over 20 years alongside working in research, educational and clinical management before working full time in academia.

Steven has sat on two Guideline Development Groups for The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and for the National Clinical Pathway for Back Pain in the UK and has recently been an expert reviewer of the WHO back pain guideline. He has published research with interprofessional colleagues on a range of MSK and manual therapy pain and treatment related issues. Current interests include evidence informed practice, communication and consent, adverse events, inclusion and interprofessional conceptions of manual therapy. He is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, and Past President of the Society for Back Pain Research.

 

Steven’s research on adverse events, consent, vascular pathologies of the neck as well as delivering one to one support for colleagues in the process of professional conduct proceedings has informed his delivery of CPD related to communication, boundaries and consent. He regularly runs short and daylong online and in-person courses for HSU covering communication and consent in a variety of contexts to a broad range of clinicians.

International Speaker

Education Leader

Published Researcher

What Others Say

Testimonials

Feedback from chiropractors and osteopaths who have attended previous courses.

Dr Sarah Mitchell

Chiropractor, Birmingham

"This course transformed how I approach consent discussions with my patients. Prof Vogel's practical examples were immediately applicable to my practice. I feel much more confident navigating complex conversations."

James Henderson

Osteopath, Manchester

"The legal framework section was eye-opening. I've completely revised my consent documentation based on what I learned. Essential CPD for any manual therapist."

Dr Emma Thompson

Chiropractor, London

"Prof Vogel brings academic rigour with real-world practicality. The case studies were particularly valuable - I've already used several communication techniques with challenging patients."

Michael Patel

Osteopath, Bristol

"Excellent course that addresses a critical gap in our professional development. The interactive elements made the day engaging, and I came away with actionable strategies I could implement immediately."

What You'll Learn

Learning Outcomes

Practical skills and knowledge you can apply immediately in your clinical practice.

Effective Communication

Develop skills to communicate clearly with patients about treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes.

Legal & Ethical Framework

Understand the legal requirements for consent and how to protect yourself and your patients.

Patient-Centred Care

Learn to place patient autonomy and shared decision-making at the heart of your practice.

Consent Documentation

Create robust, defensible consent processes and record-keeping standards that meet regulatory requirements.

Difficult Conversations

Navigate challenging discussions about treatment limitations, prognosis, and alternative options.

Evidence-Based Practice

Apply current research and best practice guidelines to your communication approach.

Course Structure

Course Content

A comprehensive programme covering all aspects of communication and consent.

Session 1: Foundations of Communication

Understanding the theory and evidence

The evidence base for effective patient communication
Understanding patient expectations and perspectives
Building rapport and trust in clinical settings

Session 2: Legal & Ethical Framework

Navigating regulatory requirements

Legal principles of informed consent
Professional regulatory requirements (GCC/GOsC)
Case law and implications for practice

Session 3: Practical Application

Skills for real-world scenarios

Communication techniques for obtaining consent
Handling difficult conversations and objections
Interactive case studies and role-play exercises

Session 4: Documentation & Review

Implementing robust processes

Best practices for consent documentation
Reviewing and improving your current processes
Action planning for practice implementation

Agenda

Course Schedule

A full-day programme designed for maximum engagement and practical learning.

The course starts at 09:30 and finishes at 17:00.

Location

Venue & Logistics

A professional learning environment in the heart of Northamptonshire.

Location

Academy of Physical Medicine
Charles Parker Building
Midland Road
Higham Ferrers
NN10 8DN
w3w: ///flop.stacks.then

The entrance is from the car park at the rear (you'll see our sign). There's lots of free parking nearby, including our car park.  Please use the bays labelled 'Ashgrove Clinic'.
We can also provide you with details of local accommodation, should you need them.

Secure Your Place

Book Now

Build the essential skills for effective patient communication and ethical consent.

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Questions?

hello@academyofphysicalmedicine.co.uk

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01933 328 150