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. 2011 Oct;96(10):960-2.
doi: 10.1136/adc.2011.211342. Epub 2011 Jul 19.

Assent for children's participation in research is incoherent and wrong

Paul Baines  1
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Assent for children's participation in research is incoherent and wrong

Paul Baines. Arch Dis Child. 2011 Oct.
Free PMC article

Abstract

When children are considered for participation in research, British and international guidelines suggest that they should provide assent in addition to their parents' consent. However, examination of these guidelines shows there is confusion regarding the concept of assent. Furthermore, the need for assent may cause problems. The guidelines should be revised: the parents of incompetent children should consent for them and competent children should consent on their own behalf.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests None.

Comment in

  • Dissent about assent in paediatric research.
    Wilkinson D. Wilkinson D. J Med Ethics. 2012 Jan;38(1):2. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2011-100242. Epub 2011 Nov 2. J Med Ethics. 2012. PMID: 22048854 No abstract available.
  • Assent is not consent.
    Sibley A, Sheehan M, Pollard AJ. Sibley A, et al. J Med Ethics. 2012 Jan;38(1):3. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2011-100317. J Med Ethics. 2012. PMID: 22174366

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