RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Assent is not consent
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 3
OP 3
DO 10.1136/medethics-2011-100317
VO 38
IS 1
A1 Sibley, Amanda
A1 Sheehan, Mark
A1 Pollard, Andrew J
YR 2012
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/38/1/3.abstract
AB A recent article from Archives of Disease in Childhood outlined problems with the act of gaining child assent for research participation. However the arguments used in the article are incomplete or misguided. Rather than being harmful, assent should be seen as an ethically-appropriate way in which we can engage with the child about his participation in research. While additional clarification of the concept of assent is needed, the child's family context can provide us with a valuable guide to the way we involve him in the decision-making process.