Decision making in paediatric care: an overview with reference to nursing care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Clinical Decision Making
• Health Policy

Background:

• Decision-making in pediatric care is complex, involving multiple stakeholders and considerations.
• Existing literature presents diverse perspectives on how decisions are made for children.
• A structured understanding is needed to improve clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify crucial aspects of decision-making in pediatric care from published literature.
• To establish a foundation for future research in this specialized area.
• To explore the practical applications of decision-making principles in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted using snowball sampling to capture diverse articles.
• Searches were performed in PubMed and CINAHL databases.
• Articles published in English between 1994 and 2004 were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Decision-making processes in pediatrics vary and can be categorized by different levels.
• Key concepts influencing decisions include child competence, best interests, knowledge, values, roles, power dynamics, and economic factors.
• These identified concepts provide a framework for understanding pediatric decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Several factors significantly impact decision-making in pediatric healthcare.
• Further research is essential to deepen the understanding and application of these factors.
• Integrating these insights can enhance clinical practice and patient outcomes.