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Bringing Consent into the 21st Century: Digital Tool Aims to Strengthen Trust in Healthcare

[Adelaide, 26 May 2025] — Informed consent is a crucial part of healthcare. It underpins ethical, patient-centred care and ensures people understand the decisions they’re making about their treatment. But in many settings, the process still relies on outdated, paper-based forms that don’t reflect the complexity—or importance—of those conversations.

That’s something Australian health technology company Clintel Systems is focused on.

Their CareRight platform features a Digital Consent and Estimate SmartForm tool, which offers a more modern and thoughtful approach to consent, one that supports clear communication, improves record-keeping, and reduces administrative burden for busy clinicians.

“We’ve spoken to providers across hospitals, and clinical case management, and the message is consistent: consent shouldn’t be a tick-box exercise,” said Tim Macdonald, Sales Director at Clintel Systems. “Patients want transparency, and clinicians want the time and tools to deliver it properly.”

The new tool enables providers to create digital estimates and consent forms that can be securely sent to patients via email or through a patient portal. Patients can review the information in their own time, sign electronically, and trust that their consent is being recorded accurately. Once signed, the form is automatically filed in the clinical record and linked to the financial estimate, reducing double-handling and paperwork.

It’s particularly valuable in complex care situations, such as surgery, chronic illness, or cancer care, where patients often feel overwhelmed, and where trust and communication are paramount.

“Digital consent tools aren’t about removing the human side of care,” Tim Macdonald added. “They’re about improving it, making sure patients are properly informed, and that clinicians are supported to have the right conversations.”

Clintel’s online consent functionality tool is now available to healthcare providers using the CareRight platform.

For more information or to request a demonstration, visit https://www.careright.au/#Contact-Form