When to use Google Forms with eSignatures instead of specialized eSignature platforms?
This is a common question from Google Forms users who collect membership applications, event registrations or patient intake forms and need a signature as part of the same submission. Google Forms does not have the option to collect esignatures from the form respondents. A specialized esignature platform such as Docusign is built for contracts, not for collecting data. With Formesign, you can add the signature option in your forms and respondents sign when they fill out the form. Even better, the form will have your own branding instead of Google's, but the responses will be collected on your Google Forms. This way, you can sync them to Google Sheets and share them with your team.
Let's start. Import your Google Form and follow the steps below.
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. Form platforms such as Formesign addon for Google Forms provides a streamlined signing experience within the context of form submissions.
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. This streamlines the registration process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork.
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 form submission, a specialized esignature platform is more than you need and Google Forms does not have the option. With Formesign, respondents sign when they fill out the form. Import your Google Form and complete the steps above.
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