The Health Care Provider's Role in Adolescent Medical Decision-Making

In caring for adolescent patients, health care providers often face problems other than their medical conditions. This chapter presents three case studies that illustrate a diversity of ethical questions that arise in the context of adolescent health care. The investigators present and define the basic ethical principles that should govern a health care provider's approach to treating an adolescent. Even though this study was primarily directed toward adolescents who live without proper adult supervision, the principles and guidelines derived from this study can apply to the health care of all adolescents.