informed assent
Agreement from a minor or cognitively impaired individual to participate in treatment or research.
Full Definition
Informed assent is the agreement obtained from individuals who lack the legal capacity to provide informed consent, such as minors or adults with cognitive impairments, to participate in medical treatment or research. Unlike informed consent, assent acknowledges the person's developmental or cognitive limitations while still respecting their autonomy and involving them in decision-making to the extent possible. In psychiatric settings, assent is particularly important when treating adolescents or adults with intellectual disabilities or severe mental illness affecting decision-making capacity. The assent process must be tailored to the individual's comprehension level, using age-appropriate language and visual aids when necessary. Parental or guardian consent is typically required in addition to the individual's assent.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'informed consent' which requires full legal capacity; assent supplements but doesn't replace guardian consent.
In Context
- "The 15-year-old patient provided informed assent for participation in the depression treatment study." — research documentation
- "Staff training covered appropriate methods for obtaining informed assent from adolescent patients." — clinical education