Ethics and ethical principles frame how you will work with patients.
Your overarching responsibility is to protect the rights and dignity of your patients at all times. This includes making sure patients understand what the work you are doing is about, why you are doing it, and that they have a choice to participate.
Be clear that if patients choose not to participate, their decision will not affect their routine care and treatment in any way.
If patients agree to participate, check back frequently that the patient remains comfortable with their choice.
It is important to remember that when we are working with patients as healthcare providers we are in the position of power. Not only is this because we are providing services to them, but current patients are also unwell. During your co-design work, patients will be receiving news about their medical conditions and receiving treatment. Following ethical principles protects patients from any harm that your work may cause.