Digital informed consent in clinics
Informed consent protects both the patient and the clinic. Signing it digitally, before the appointment and from the patient's own phone, saves time at reception and keeps everything filed in their medical record.
In 30 seconds
- As a general rule consent is verbal, but Spain's Ley 41/2002 requires it in writing for surgery, invasive procedures and treatments with significant risks.
- Before signing, the patient must receive the basic information: consequences, personal risks, probable risks and contraindications.
- An electronic signature with a record provides written proof of who signed, when and which document.
What it should include
- Identification of the patient and the professional.
- A description of the treatment or procedure, its benefits and alternatives.
- Common and relevant risks, and contraindications.
- That the patient has been able to ask questions and can withdraw their consent.
- Date and signature of the patient (or their representatives, if they are a minor).
The Spanish patient autonomy law (Ley 41/2002) requires written consent for surgical procedures, invasive procedures and, in general, those involving significant risks. An electronic signature with a record meets the requirement for written proof.
“As a general rule, consent shall be verbal. However, it shall be given in writing in the following cases: surgery, invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and, in general, procedures involving risks or drawbacks with a noticeable and foreseeable negative impact on the patient's health.”
Ley 41/2002, article 8.2 · See the official source
Article 10 adds the basic information the patient must receive before signing: the relevant consequences the procedure will certainly cause, the risks related to their personal or professional circumstances, the probable risks under normal conditions, and the contraindications.
Official data
of basic information are required by law before written consent: consequences, personal risks, probable risks and contraindications.
old or emancipated: from then on, patients give consent themselves, except in cases of serious risk.
How to send it before the appointment
- Upload your consent form at Sign for free and choose “Someone else”.
- Add “Name”, “DNI”, a “Tick box” for “I have read and understand the information”, and “Signature”.
- Send it to the patient by email or WhatsApp. You get it back signed, with the date, time and a record.
Data protection
Consent forms contain health data, which has special protection. Use a tool that stores documents encrypted and with restricted access, and sign a data processing agreement with it. MultiDocs includes one: see the agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Is informed consent signed on a phone valid?
Yes. It's an electronic signature under the eIDAS regulation, and the record shows who signed and when.
What if the patient is a minor?
Their parents or legal representatives sign. You can add both to the same document.
Official sources
We checked each source on 29 October 2026. If you spot outdated information, email us at info@multidocs.es.