Parental consent for bone marrow transplantation in the case of genetic disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the responses of mothers and fathers who were offered bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for their children with genetic disorders.


METHODS
Qualitative.


METHODS
Private hospital rooms/offices.


METHODS
Six mothers and 4 fathers of children with genetic disorders.


RESULTS
The basic social-psychological problem confronting the parents was the conflicting alternatives of life versus death for their children. It was certain that these children would die from their genetic disorders but without having to endure the pain and suffering of a BMT. The BMT would be difficult, possibly resulting in death, but with a chance of survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Parents believed that BMT was the only chance of survival for their children, leaving them no choice except to pursue the BMT treatment.
Prows
C A
CA
Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA. prowc0@chmcc.org
McCain
G C
GC
D001294:Attitude to Health; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires