Closing the gaps: consent and preoperative assessment for children and young people

Abstract

The changing ethical and legal landscape in the UK means that anaesthetists should routinely be discussing the risk of death during the consent process. To do this effectively means expanding anaesthetic preassessment services for children and young people, something that has been recognised as a priority, but which still needs investment and an appreciation of its value at the trust level.

Keywords: General Medical Council; children and young people; consent for anaesthesia; ethics and law; paediatric anaesthesia; preoperative assessment; risks of anaesthesia.