The Use of Waivers of Guardian Permission in the United States for Pediatric Digital Health Intervention Research Since 2020: Systematic Review - Summary - MDSpire
To systematically review the implications of guardian permission waivers for pediatric digital health research in the U.S. since 2020.
Approach:
Background: The review discusses the mental health crisis among U.S. youth, exacerbated by provider shortages and access issues, and the potential role of digital health interventions.
Research Participation: It examines how guardian permission requirements can limit research participation among adolescents, particularly those from marginalized groups.
Ethical Considerations: The review highlights ethical concerns regarding the necessity of guardian consent in sensitive research areas, such as sexuality and mental health.
Key Findings:
Guardian permission requirements can skew research findings by limiting participation from certain youth subgroups.
Nearly 40% of LGBTQIA+-identified youth may decline participation if guardian consent is required due to fears of being outed.
Some states allow minors to seek mental health treatment without guardian consent, but this does not consistently apply to research.
Interpretation:
Requiring guardian permission may create barriers for adolescents seeking to participate in research that could benefit their mental health, particularly for those in vulnerable populations.
Limitations:
The review may not encompass all states' laws regarding guardian consent and research.
Potential biases in the studies reviewed may affect the generalizability of findings.
Conclusion:
The necessity of guardian permission in pediatric research poses significant challenges, particularly for marginalized youth, and may hinder access to beneficial digital health interventions.
by Colleen Stiles-Shields, Elyse Shenberger, Ann Bernica, Gabriella Bobadilla, Kandis Fletcher, Jasmine George, Sydney Gordon, Erika L Gustafson, Crystal S Hernandez, Taylor L Hilderbrand, Sarah N Kumi, Christine A Lee, Sarah I Lorduy, Meera Phanse, Lauren M Potthoff, Naomi Quezada, Dale L Smith, Holly J Hudson, Emily E Anderson
