Parental experiences in giving informed consent in pediatric surgery: A cross-cultural study

Abstract

ABSTRACT           Parents often express dissatisfaction with the way in which consent for their children to undergo surgery is obtained. Using England and Thailand as examples, this study illuminates parents’ experiences of giving consent for their children to undergo surgery. This qualitative approach, semi-structured interview, was conducted with a purposive sample of 18 English and 12 Thai parents. The parents of both cultures perceived a lack of time and felt pressured to sign. Some lack of choice was caused by deference to medical authority and a lack of clear information. Purpose of the consent was perceived to be linked to misunderstanding about protection medical personnel from litigation. The position and the communication skills of the surgeon and system processes in the hospital environment dominated the consenting consultation in both cultures. Some nurses played an empowering role during the consenting process. These findings suggest that there is a need for education and guidance to ensure a shared decision-making approach. Recommendations made to improve the process of giving consent focus on making this a more person-focused process and taking account of the parents’ individual viewpoint.