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Rethinking pediatric assent: from requirement to ideal
Yoram Unguru1, Max J Coppes, Naynesh Kamani
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010-2970, USA. yunguru@cnmc.org
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Informed consent is required for adults in research. For children, assent is crucial, involving understanding and preference, moving beyond passive roles in clinical research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Research Ethics
- Clinical Trial Participation
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Adults require informed consent for research participation.
- Children's inclusion in research necessitates parental/guardian permission.
- Emerging recognition of children's active role in research decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the historical development of assent in pediatric research.
- To emphasize the importance of assessing children's understanding of research protocols.
- To highlight the significance of children's preferences in research participation decisions.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of assent principles.
- Analysis of ethical guidelines for pediatric research.
- Exploration of methods for assessing child comprehension and preference.
Main Results:
- Assent has evolved from a passive agreement to an active, informed process.
- Assessing a child's understanding and preference is central to ethical research.
- Meaningful assent requires active involvement of the child in research decisions.
Conclusions:
- Child assent is a vital ethical component in pediatric clinical research.
- Effective assent processes enhance respect for children's autonomy.
- Future research should focus on optimizing methods for obtaining meaningful child assent.
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