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Child's Nervous System

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01-01-2021 | Pediatric Neurosurgery | Review Article

Issues of consent and assent in pediatric neurosurgery

Authors: Rajeev D. Sen, Amy Lee, Samuel R. Browd, Richard G. Ellenbogen, Jason S. Hauptman

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Consent and assent are important concepts to understand in the care of pediatric neurosurgery patients. Recently it has been recommended that although pediatric patients generally do not have the legal capacity to make medical decisions, they be encouraged to be involved in their own care. Given the paucity of information on this topic in the neurosurgery community, the objective is to provide pediatric neurosurgeons with recommendations on how to involve their patients in medical decision-making.

Methods

We review the essential elements and current guidelines of consent and assent for pediatric patients using illustrative neurosurgical case vignettes.

Results

The pediatric population ranges widely in cognitive and psychological development making the process of consent and assent quite complex. The role of the child or adolescent in medical decision-making, issues associated with obtaining assent or dissent, and informed refusal of treatment are considered.

Conclusion

The process of obtaining consent and assent represents a critical yet often overlooked aspect to care of pediatric neurosurgical patients. The pediatric neurosurgeon must be able to distill immensely complex and high-risk procedures into simple, understandable terms. Furthermore, they must recognize when the child’s dissent or refusal to treatment is acceptable. In general, allowing children to be involved in their neurosurgical care is empowering and gives them both identity and agency, which is the vital first step to a successful neurosurgical intervention.

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Title: Issues of consent and assent in pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Rajeev D. Sen
Amy Lee
Samuel R. Browd
Richard G. Ellenbogen
Jason S. Hauptman
Publication date: 01-01-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Pediatric Neurosurgery
Published in: Child's Nervous System / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-04907-w

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Issues of consent and assent in pediatric neurosurgery

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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