PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Beate Aurich
AU  - Eric Vermeulen
AU  - Valéry Elie
AU  - Mariette H E Driessens
AU  - Christine Kubiak
AU  - Donato Bonifazi
AU  - Evelyne Jacqz-Aigrain
TI  - Informed consent for neonatal trials: practical points to consider and a check list
AID  - 10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000847
DP  - 2020 Dec 01
TA  - BMJ Paediatrics Open
PG  - e000847
VI  - 4
IP  - 1
4099  - http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000847.short
4100  - http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000847.full
SO  - BMJ Paediatrics Open2020 Dec 01; 4
AB  - Obtaining informed consent from parents of critically ill neonates can be challenging. The parental decision-making process is influenced by the severity of the child’s condition, the benefit–risk balance, their emotional state and the quality of the relationship with the clinical team. Independent of local legislation, parents may prefer that consent is sought from both. Misconceptions about the absence of risks or unrealistic expectations about benefits should be openly addressed to avoid misunderstandings which may harm the relationship with the clinical team. Continuous consent can be sought where it is unclear whether the free choice of parental consent has been compromised. Obtaining informed consent is a dynamic process building on trusting relationships. It should include open and honest discussions about benefits and risks. Investigators may benefit from training in effective communication. Finally, involving parents in neonatal research including the development of the informed consent form and the process of obtaining consent should be considered standard practice.