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Parental permission, information, and consent
1Childrens Hospital, Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 1, 1991
Insights
Many pediatric patients receive medical procedures without parental consent. Over half of blood tests and 31% of drug treatments lacked explanation, impacting informed consent in emergency pediatric admissions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric emergency medicine
- Bioethics
- Patient rights
Background:
- Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice.
- Emergency situations can complicate obtaining informed consent.
- Parental involvement in pediatric care is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of parental consent for medical interventions in pediatric emergency admissions.
- To evaluate the communication of reasons for procedures to parents.
Main Methods:
- Interviewed 150 parents of children admitted to the emergency department.
- Analyzed data on blood sample collection and treatment regimens instituted.
- Assessed whether reasons for procedures were explained to parents.
Main Results:
- 57% of blood samples were taken without explicit parental permission.
- 89% of treatment regimens were initiated without parental consent.
- Reasons for over 50% of blood tests and 31% of drug treatments were not explained.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in obtaining parental consent for pediatric emergency care.
- Lack of explanation for procedures undermines informed decision-making.
- Urgent improvements in communication and consent processes are needed.
Abstract:
One hundred and fifty parents of emergency paediatric admissions were interviewed; 60 of 106 (57%) blood samples were taken and 107 of 120 (89%) treatment regimens were instituted without their permission. Furthermore, the reasons for over half the blood tests and 31% of the drug treatments were not explained.