[Shared Decision-Making in Pediatrics - a Collaborative Process within the Therapeutic Triangle between Parents, the...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Medical Ethics
• Family-Centered Care

Background:

• Shared Decision-Making (SDM) is crucial in pediatrics, integrating diverse perspectives.
• The 'therapeutic triangle' model highlights the collaborative relationship between parents, child, and healthcare professionals.
• Navigating differing values and information interpretation is key in pediatric healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define Shared Decision-Making (SDM) as a process within the pediatric therapeutic triangle.
• To explore the spectrum of integrating objective facts and subjective family perspectives.
• To clarify the unique aspects of decision-making in pediatric and adolescent medicine.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of Shared Decision-Making (SDM) principles in pediatrics.
• Examination of the interplay between professional interpretation and family autonomy.
• Literature review on ethical considerations in pediatric patient and family involvement.

Main Results:

• SDM in pediatrics requires making objective and subjective elements visible and manageable.
• A spectrum exists for integrating family values and independent information assessment by children/families.
• Pediatric decision-making uniquely balances best interests with shared decision-making and harm thresholds.

Conclusions:

• Shared Decision-Making (SDM) is a vital collaborative competence in pediatrics.
• Effective SDM requires transparently addressing both objective data and subjective family experiences.
• Clarifying the balance between patient best interests and shared decision-making is essential for ethical pediatric care.