CaSPPeR - Congenital cardiac surgery and parental perception of risk
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do parents make sense of the nature of risk when consenting for cardiac surgery on their infant.
IRAS ID
212676
Contact name
Robyn Lotto
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 13 days
Research summary
Scientific understanding of the concept of risk and how it impacts on our ability to make judgements and decisions has developed significantly over the past two decades. Much of this evidence has arisen from laboratory studies, and highlights the use of short-cuts or heuristics in order to simplify the decision-making process, along with the over-estimation / under-estimation of risk, or biases, that arise as a result. However, the nature of risk, and how it is interpreted by patients and clinicians is less well documented, and it is unclear how much these laboratory findings can be transferred to the clinical setting, and what the subsequent impact on patient care is likely to be. This study examines parental perception of risk within the context of congenital cardiac surgery. \nCongenital cardiac surgery differs from many other types of surgery in that it encompasses a broad spectrum of diagnoses and treatments, which in turn are associated with a wide variation in risk and subsequent outcome. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that risk perception differs when evaluating risk for another person, in this case a parent for a child. \nFindings from a recent study highlighted varying concerns from parents and clinicians alike in relation to the way in which risk is presented and understood. Whilst clinicians expressed difficulties explaining risk, and concerns that parents did not always appear to understand the complexity of the procedures, some parents suggested that clinicians unnecessarily over-emphasised risk in situations where no option to surgery was available.\nThis study is divided into two phases. The first provides the opportunity to compare clinicians’ and parents’ perception of risk across a timeframe in relation to a specific cardiac operation. The second phase will explore the reasons for any variations found, through narratives created in interview. \nThe findings of the study will be used to inform and guide practice, and support clinicians whilst ultimately improving care provision. \n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0730
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion