Informed consent
Informed consent is when you understand the options available to your child and can make a decision about having a test, treatment or procedure.
Before agreeing to a test, treatment (including medication) or procedure, you need to know all about:
1. Your child’s condition
The doctor or clinician should give you clear information about your child’s condition in a way that you can understand.
2. The different options available (including taking no action)
You can ask the doctor or clinician:
- “Are there alternative options that could work?” or “Are there simpler, more safe options?”
- “What happens if we decide against the option?”
- “Could their condition get worse if you decide against having the test, treatment or procedure straight away?”
3. The benefits and risks
You can ask the doctor or clinician:
- “What benefits will we see?”
- “What are the risks or potential complications?”
- “Will there be side effects to the test/treatment or procedure?”
- “What are the chances of getting results that aren’t accurate? Could that lead to more testing, additional treatments or another procedure?”
4. The expected outcome
The doctor or clinician should give you a clear explanation of why your child is having the test, treatment or procedure.
5. The potential costs for your family
Costs can be financial, emotional or a cost of your time. If there is a financial cost, you may ask if the cost is reasonable or if there is a cheaper alternative.
Adapted from Choosing Wisely Australia: 5 questions to ask your doctor or other healthcare provider before you get any test, treatment, or procedure.
Remember, you can ask for a second opinion!
Signing your consent
When you are happy that you understand and agree to what is going to happen, you will also need to sign a consent form if your child is having an operation or a procedure.
Do you need an interpreter?
Interpreters are available if you have difficulties with English. Please speak to one of our staff or call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 to facilitate your call.
You can also access translated information about the Charter, including in 19 community languages, braille and Auslan versions.
Support from Aboriginal health services
Perth Children’s Hospital
Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALOs) provide assistance and support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families with children and young people attending PCH. You can get in touch with an Aboriginal Liaison Officer by:
- Visiting Clinic L on Level 4 at PCH (the ALOs can visit you on the ward if you would prefer)
- Phone: 6456 2222 (asking for the Aboriginal Liaison Officer)
- Asking your child’s nurse or doctor to make a referral for you.
Community Health
The Aboriginal Health Team provide culturally appropriate and secure services to the Aboriginal community across the Perth metropolitan area. Find your local Aboriginal Health team here.
CAMHS
The Statewide Specialist Aboriginal Mental Health Service (SSAMHS) team supports Aboriginal young people and families in accessing culturally safe mental health services. You can call or email your local Community Mental Health Clinic for more information about the SSAMHS team.