Wat weten ouders over de patiëntenrechten van kinderen?

Introduction

In the Netherlands, medical decision-making without parental permission is allowed from the age of 16. The aim of this study was to examine parents’ knowledge of this age-based framework to discover potential knowledge gaps that hinder the communication between doctors, parents, and their children.

Methods

Survey-based research was conducted to examine parents’ knowledge of the age-based framework that applies to minors in Dutch healthcare. The survey was based on 5 topics: medical diagnosis and treatment, medical advice, reproductive and sexual health services, abortion, and euthanasia. The survey was sent to 1,010 Dutch parents, aged 35-55 years, with at least one child. The data were analysed using SPSS. Percentages and means were calculated.

Results

Parental knowledge of the age-based framework varied depending on the topic.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into parents’ current level of knowledge of the age-based framework that applies to minors in Dutch healthcare. This information is useful in the conversation between health care professional, parents, and their children.

Conflict of interest and financial support: ICMJE forms provided by the authors are available online along with the full text of this article.