Professional
Formal
IVT
adolescent assent
The agreement of an adolescent to participate in medical treatment or research, distinct from legal consent.
Full Definition
The formal process of obtaining agreement from an adolescent patient for medical procedures or research participation, recognizing their developing autonomy while acknowledging they may not have full legal capacity to consent. Assent involves providing age-appropriate information about proposed treatments, risks, and alternatives, and ensuring the adolescent understands and agrees to participate. This process respects adolescent decision-making capacity while maintaining appropriate parental involvement as required by law.
Usage
Usage note: Legally distinct from consent; both assent and parental consent may be required.
In Context
- "The research protocol required both parental consent and adolescent assent for participation." — IRB documentation
- "Despite parental consent, the procedure was postponed due to lack of patient assent." — Surgical consultation note
Also known as
minor assent
adolescent agreement
Contrasted with
dissent
refusal
Don't confuse with
informed consent
parental consent