How to obtain informed consent from patient in isolation?
All guidelines suggest obtaining written informed consent before
enrolling patients. If this is not possible due to COVID-19 isolation
measures or safety, electronic methods should be considered.(4) If not
possible electronically, a three way call phone or video communication
with the investigator, patient and an impartial witness and/or if
requested, additional participants (e.g. next in kin, spouse, etc.) have
been suggested for verbal confirmation. If the signed consent form
cannot be collected from the patient, an attested copy by the witness
and investigator who participated in the call or a photograph of the
signed informed consent with attestation of the investigator should
suffice.(4) The details of the above procedure should be included with
the informed consent in the source notes for records.