One of the most difficult barriers to overcome is a situation in which a child’s parents disagree with the choice or course of treatment. As a result, much of the interaction with the provider may be dominated by resolving conflict and managing the adults in the session, rather than focusing on the child’s needs and well-being.
Full Answer
When does a parent have authority to make treatment decisions?
These disagreements often occur in cases where the prognosis for the severely ill infant or child is that they will survive, but with a poor quality of life. The presumption is that the parent has authority to make treatment decisions for a child when the child does not have the capacity to do so.
What if there is a disagreement in treatment choice between parents?
However, consider the situation where there is a disagreement in treatment choice between the parent of an ill child and the physician. These disagreements often occur in cases where the prognosis for the severely ill infant or child is that they will survive, but with a poor quality of life.
Should parents be consulted about medical decisions for children?
The idea that parents would be consulted about decisions, that they would be an integral part of the decision-making process for children is hardly controversial. It is, in fact, what happens all the time in the medical care of children all around the world.
How are the best decisions made for children and adolescents?
To ensure that the best decisions are made for children and adolescents, these decisions should be made jointly by members of the health care team, the child or adolescent’s parents, and sometimes the child or adolescent.
Can doctors override parents decisions?
That is, because of the existence of an emergency, treatment is legally permissible, and the court does not need to adjudicate the best interest of the child in approving the physician's decision to override a parental refusal for treatment.
Do parents have the right to make medical decisions?
Parents have the responsibility and authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their children. This includes the right to refuse or discontinue treatments, even those that may be life-sustaining. However, parental decision-making should be guided by the best interests of the child.
What are some factors that may influence parental decision-making when making medical decisions for children with complex illness?
The following themes were identified: information needs, seriousness of illness, no other treatment options, child's best interests, religiosity and spirituality, parental characteristics and past experiences, and emotional support.
When parents refuse treatment for their child?
State intervention on a medical decision for a minor may go further than just health care. When parents refuse necessary or life-saving care for their child, they could face serious legal consequences as well. States often refer to this as medical neglect and have laws against it.
What happens when two parents disagree on medical treatment?
Disagreement over medical treatment can place medical care providers in a difficult situation. They will likely defer to the terms of the custody and visitation order or any court order that pertains to the child's medical needs.
What if parents disagree on medical treatment?
Legal Options When Parents Disagree on Medical Decisions If there is shared decision-making regarding medical issues and both parents cannot come to an agreement, the court will examine the facts both parties put forth and determine what is in the best interest of the child.
What will happen if a patient's family members disagree about the care of an incapacitated patient?
When a proxy makes decisions that other parties, such as family members, disagree with, the authority of the proxy can be challenged. In order to address this issue, patients often draft a living will, which attempts to clarify the wishes of the patient.
What would you do if the patient and their spouse disagree about what is best for the patient?
When patients, families disagree on treatment: 6 ways forwardGet to know the patient's family. ... Minimize confusion. ... Help everyone identify their values. ... Encourage the patient to be open. ... Preserve confidentiality. ... Don't hesitate to call in help.
What factors influence decisions about child care?
Decisions are often made based on the special needs and/or age of the child and family preferences. For a child with special needs, parents are restricted to options that can meet those needs. Priorities for the family must also be met. Cost is nearly always important.
Is withholding medical treatment abuse?
Most nursing homes take excellent care of their residents. Unfortunately, however, some are the site of abusive behavior and neglect. This can range from physical abuse to lesser-known forms of mistreatment such as withholding medicine from residents.
Can doctors go against parents wishes?
However, there are situations where doctors can disagree with a parent's decision if a child is in a severe medical dilemma. The parens patriae doctrine gives the state the right to intervene with a parent's decision when it's believed they are not acting in the best interest for the child's well-being.
Do you think that parents should decide they don't want medical treatment for their kids?
Parents who refuse medical care for themselves may allow it for their children. Some parents may decline medical care for their children for less serious conditions, but may agree to it in more extreme situations. Caplan also cautions against judging parents too harshly for following their religious beliefs.