Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

How do patients indicate their consent to participate in a satisfaction questionnaire study?

1. Signing a consent form

2. Returning the completed survey to the therapist

3. Emailing their consent

4. Attending an informational session

The correct answer is: Returning the completed survey to the therapist

The correct way for patients to indicate their consent to participate in a satisfaction questionnaire study is by returning the completed survey to the therapist. This act signifies that they have read and understood the purpose of the questionnaire and agree to provide the requested feedback. By voluntarily completing and returning the survey, patients demonstrate their willingness to participate in the study. This method often serves as a practical approach in various research settings, where implicit consent is considered acceptable as long as the participants were adequately informed about the survey's intent. While signing a consent form is a common practice in research, certain studies—particularly those involving anonymous surveys—may not require formal signed consent as long as participation is voluntary and data remains confidential. Emailing consent also does not typically apply to satisfaction surveys that emphasize ease of access and quick feedback. Lastly, attending an informational session may provide more background information but does not serve as a direct measure of consent for the specific act of completing the satisfaction questionnaire.