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.