Describe informed consent and assent What factors need to be

Describe informed consent and assent. What factors need to be taken into account when obtaining informed consent from parents and assent from children? How are they different? If a child does not assent but the parent gives consent, is it ethical to perform the research?

Solution

“The informed consent” is one of the patient’s rights. Means, before starting therapy, the patient must be informed about the plan of health care, potential risks and benefits, available alternative treatments or the option of no treatment. The physician and or nurse need to explain the patient’s condition, risks and benefits associated with the treatment.

Though the children are legally not eligible to sign an informed consent, their assent is must. Before taking assent from te children, the children must understand the procedure and consequences. This must be followed by taking informed consent from the parents. If the child does not assent it is unethical to perform research though the parent gives consent.