Role of Parents in Development of Drugs

The Role of Parents in the Development of Pediatric Drugs Khushi Chhangani Northeastern University

Role of Parents in Development of Drugs The development of pediatric drugs and treatments yields to an extensive variety of ethical issues. Pinxten, Nys, and Dierick wrote an essay addressing and analyzing these ethical concerns (Frontline ethical issues, 2010). In this essay, they focus on

integrating research in therapy practices, controlling placebo use, and rewarding research. The authors also bring up the importance of empowering families. This is an aspect of pediatric pharmacology that is not necessarily neglected, but researchers place a larger emphasis on the development of new treatments. How can a professional successfully address both of these aspects of child pharmacology? One suggestion is to focus on the role of the families to ensure a higher amount of participation in clinical trials. While parents are ultimately the ones that provide consent, on behalf of the minor, they depend largely on the physicians knowledge and guidance. The physician then needs to be able to convey that information in a way that is easier for the minor and their parents to understand, or else it would be likely for them to feel overwhelmed and unable to make a good decision. Rothmier, Lasley, and Shapiro (2003) conducted a study where they provided parents a questionnaire in order to determine the factors that influenced their consent in pediatric clinical research. They found that parents chose to opt in to studies to increase their childs and their own knowledge about the disease being studied or treated. This shows that shared knowledge is important in making the decision to join a clinical study. By creating a support system for the families, not only will they have emotional support from other families that are also involved in clinical trials, they can share their respective points of view and experiences in the process. When families are well informed about the process of participating in the clinical trial and how it will affect

Role of Parents in Development of Drugs the minor, there is a possibility that there will be an increase in participation. Having a higher number of participants will result in more credible results, and this will in turn increase the development of new pediatric treatments.

Reflective Note: This is written in APA format, and directed towards the 2013 Call for Abstracts for the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group. The topic for the call for abstracts is general information regarding the scientific and clinical practice. The research abstracts would be published in the Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, which is closely related with the American Society of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Personal Note: Im not sure that I will include this into my professional portfolio. After I receive more feedback, I may apply those changes and then may further consider adding this.

Role of Parents in Development of Drugs

Works Cited Afshar K et. al. (2005). Recruitment in pediatric clinical trials: an ethical perspective. J Urol 174;336-339. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.neu.edu/science/journal/00225347/174/3 Richard, R., Tengnah, C. (2012). Assessing childrens competence to consent to medical treatment. British J of Comm Nurs. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.neu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=30da9f0a-3281-489883a6beafef827a0a%40sessionmgr113&vid=1&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3Q tbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=rzh&AN=2011496969 Cote, C., Kauffman, R. (1996). Is the Therapeutic Orphan About to be Adopted? Pediatrics 98(1) 118. (Accession No. 9607141880) Pinxten, W., Nys, H., Dierickx, K. (2010). Frontline ethical issues in pediatric clinical research: ethical and regulatory aspects of seven current bottlenecks in pediatric research. Eur J Pediatr, 169;1541-1548. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.neu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=902f3 e48-42f2-4dc1-a602-608e0e68c817%40sessionmgr114&vid=2&hid=110 Rothmier, D. et. al. (2003). Factors Influencing Consent in Pediatric Clinical Research. Pediatrics, 111(5) 1037-1041. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.neu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=0df68d01-8886-4e2ab132 dced9bde8c5a%40sessionmgr113&vid=1&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3 QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=rzh&AN=2005081752

Role of Parents in Development of Drugs Vollmer WM. (1992). Recruiting children and their families for clinical trials: A case study. Control Clin Trials. 13(4) 316-320 Retrieved From

http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.neu.edu/science/article/pii/0197245692900 13P