When to use Google Forms with eSignatures instead of specialized eSignature platforms?
"a box at the end of the paperwork for the patient to sign"- Google Docs Editors Community
This is a common question: 363 people on Google's forum have asked how to put a signature box at the end of intake paperwork in Google Forms. A physical therapy practice taking new patients, a club taking membership applications and an event taking registrations all collect answers first, and the signature is one part of that same submission. Google Forms has no signature question. A platform like Docusign is built for contracts, not for collecting data, so each person would get a separate document to sign after the form. With Formesign, respondents sign at the end of the form they are already filling in, and every response comes with its own signed PDF.
Below, we first look at when a form with a signature fits better than a signature platform, then how to add one. To try it, import your Google Form.
When to use Forms with esignatures instead of specialized eSignature platforms?
If your primary requirement is to collect signatures on contracts and agreements, then specialized esignature platforms such as Docusign, Echosign etc might be a good fit. However, if your primary requirement is collect data for membership applications, event registrations, patient intake forms & others, but you also need to collect signatures as part of the form submission, then you can use the Forms with esignatures feature. Formesign, an add-on for Google Forms, puts the signature inside the form submission itself.
How to add signatures in google forms?
- Publish your form in Google Forms, if you have not done this yet.
- Click on Import your Google Form, select Import your Google Forms, paste your form's link and click Add signature
- Select Simple signature and click Next
- Select the question it goes after and click Next
- Click Preview signing experience to test the form
You can also edit the form to customize the form and then use the share link to collect responses with signatures from your users. For detailed instructions with screenshots, please refer to this help article.
Use cases for forms with esignatures
Registration forms: Forms with esignatures can be used for event registrations, where participants can sign consent forms, liability waivers or registration agreements electronically. Nobody has to print, sign and hand in paper.
Membership Applications: Associations, clubs and professional organizations can use forms with esignatures for membership applications. Applicants can electronically sign membership agreements, code of conduct forms or other required documents during the application process.
Waivers and consent forms: In various industries, such as healthcare, fitness, recreation and event management, forms with esignatures are used to collect consent forms and waivers. Participants or attendees can sign forms electronically to acknowledge the risks, terms and conditions associated with their participation.
Healthcare use cases for forms with esignatures
Patient intake forms: Forms with esignatures can be used for patient intake processes, where new patients can electronically sign registration forms, medical history questionnaires, privacy notices and consent forms before their initial visit or appointment.
Acknowledgment of privacy practices: Forms with esignatures can be used to ensure patients acknowledge their understanding of privacy practices and HIPAA regulations. Patients can electronically sign privacy notices, acknowledging how their protected health information (PHI) will be used and disclosed.
Authorization for medical records: Patients can electronically authorize the release of their medical records to other healthcare providers, insurance companies or third-party entities. This includes signing consent forms for medical record requests, sharing information for referrals or participating in research studies.
Informed consent for procedures: Healthcare providers can use forms with esignatures to obtain informed consent from patients before medical procedures, surgeries or treatments. Patients can review the risks, benefits and alternatives and provide their electronic signature to indicate their understanding and agreement.
Summary
If you collect data and also need a signature as part of the same submission, a specialized esignature platform is more than you need and Google Forms has no signature question. With Formesign, respondents sign when they fill out the form. Import your Google Form and complete the steps above.
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