[What do parents know of patient rights of minors in the Netherlands?] / Wat weten ouders over de patiëntenrechten van kinderen?

INTRODUCTION: In the Netherlands, medical decision-making without parental permission is allowed from the age of 16. The aim of this study was to examine parents' knowledge of this age-based framework to discover potential knowledge gaps that hinder the communication between doctors, parents, and their children. METHODS: Survey-based research was conducted to examine parents' knowledge of the age-based framework that applies to minors in Dutch healthcare. The survey was based on 5 topics: medical diagnosis and treatment, medical advice, reproductive and sexual health services, abortion, and euthanasia. The survey was sent to 1,010 Dutch parents, aged 35-55 years, with at least one child. The data were analysed using SPSS. Percentages and means were calculated. RESULTS: Parental knowledge of the age-based framework varied depending on the topic. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into parents' current level of knowledge of the age-based framework that applies to minors in Dutch healthcare. This information is useful in the conversation between health care professional, parents, and their children.

[Groin complaints: not necessarily caused by a groin hernia]. / Pijn in de lies: niet altijd door een liesbreuk.

Groin complaints may lead to surgical consultation, especially when ultrasound has diagnosed a groin hernia in the outpatient setting. However, a hernia is not necessarily the cause of the problem. In this clinical lesson, we present three patients (an 80-year-old woman, a 46-year-old man and 65-year-old woman). Severe inguinal pain was the presenting symptom in all cases. The diagnosis 'inguinal hernia' was confirmed with ultrasound in all cases. Based on the new guideline, physical examination is decisive for the diagnosis 'inguinal hernia'. A combination with ultrasound is not recommended, although often performed. We discuss why ultrasound can be helpful but also misleading. For the treatment of inguinal pain, we advocate lessons learned in sports medicine.