Claude Ecoffey1, Bernard Dalens. 1. Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical, Intensive Care 2, Pontchaillou Hospital, University of Rennes, France. cEcoffey.rennes@invivo.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Consent has always been an essential element in the physician-child/parent relationship, more importantly as an ethical duty than as a legal requirement, and continues to represent the most important form of communication between children and parents and physicians. RECENT FINDINGS: The main themes described in this review - the age of competence to give consent and the role of the parents in giving consent - constitute the complex situation of consent in paediatrics. Refusal by children and parents and consent by children for participation in clinical research studies are also discussed. SUMMARY: This review supports the moral viewpoint that minors with decision-making capacity, regardless of their age, should be involved in their healthcare decisions, even if the law is to have consent from parents or legal guardians.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Consent has always been an essential element in the physician-child/parent relationship, more importantly as an ethical duty than as a legal requirement, and continues to represent the most important form of communication between children and parents and physicians. RECENT FINDINGS: The main themes described in this review - the age of competence to give consent and the role of the parents in giving consent - constitute the complex situation of consent in paediatrics. Refusal by children and parents and consent by children for participation in clinical research studies are also discussed. SUMMARY: This review supports the moral viewpoint that minors with decision-making capacity, regardless of their age, should be involved in their healthcare decisions, even if the law is to have consent from parents or legal guardians.