Consent for gynaecological imaging in Australian and New Zealand adolescent patients: A discussion of legal considerations in sonography

Abstract

A gynaecological ultrasound on an adolescent patient can involve a transabdominal (TAUS), transvaginal (TVUS), trans‐perineal (TPUS) or transrectal (TRUS) approach. Following TAUS a TVUS or TRUS may be suitable on an adolescent patient if they are determined to be a ‘mature minor’/Gillick competent and provide informed consent. Legal information on adolescent consent to medical treatment is difficult for sonographers to obtain as current professional guidelines are not sufficiently detailed on the laws of consent to medical treatment and workplace policies are often not specific to adolescent patients. This manuscript provides information on informed consent to medical treatment, ‘mature minor’/Gillick competence determination, Australian and New Zealand legislation for ‘mature minors’ to consent to medical treatment, adolescent psychology and avoiding coercion when obtaining consent.