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Bioethics for clinicians: 9. Involving children in medical decisions

C Harrison1, N P Kenny, M Sidarous

  • 1Bioethics Department, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont. christine.harrison@mailhub.sickkids.on.ca

CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal = Journal De L'Association Medicale Canadienne
|March 15, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Physicians face ethical challenges when involving children in medical decisions. A family-centered approach respects children's growing autonomy and decision-making capacity within their family relationships.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Ethics
  • Bioethics
  • Medical Decision-Making

Background:

  • Medical decisions for children traditionally involve parents and physicians.
  • Children's developing autonomy is increasingly recognized in healthcare settings.

Observation:

  • Involving children in medical decisions presents ethical challenges for healthcare teams.
  • Physicians must collaborate with families and other practitioners.

Findings:

  • A family-centered approach is crucial for navigating these complex decisions.
  • This approach acknowledges the parent-child relationship, child vulnerability, and developing capacity.

Implications:

  • Enhances ethical practice in pediatric healthcare.
  • Supports shared decision-making models that respect children's evolving rights.
  • Promotes better patient-centered care by integrating the child's perspective.

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