Clinical Characteristics of Obtaining Consent For Children Of Minor Parents and the Cognitively Impaired.

Background: This research study serves to create guidelines for a clinical policy that
addresses the question of how to most accurately obtain consent when providing
comprehensive eye care to the children of minor parents as well as to those individuals
who are cognitively impaired. This policy is intended for use at the University Eye
Center at Ferris State University. Methods: Independent research was performed to gather information to support the content of the policy. Also, a short survey was sent to roughly 100 optometrists throughout Michigan. The purpose of this survey was to gather information on how Michigan optometrists obtain consent from these specific patients.
Results: Only I of the 5 survey question was answered correctly by the majority of
respondents. Also, 3 questions had the majority answer of, "I'm not sure, I would have to
review current state policies." The survey results demonstrate a general lack of
confidence from the survey participants when asked to determine correct consent for
minors, the children of minors, married minors and the cognitively impaired.
Conclusions: The research will serve as a foundation for new clinical guidelines aimed at obtaining proper patient consent at the University Eye Center at Ferris State University.
The need for such a policy was verified by the uncertainty of Michigan optometrists