The use of pediatric advance directives: a tool for palliative care physicians.

The use of pediatric advance directives: a tool for palliative care physicians.

Zinner SE

The American Journal Of Hospice & Palliative Care

2008

Child; Humans; United States; Personal Autonomy; decision making; DNAR; Palliative Care/es [Ethics]; Palliative Care/og [Organization & Administration]; Advance Care Planning/es [Ethics]; Right to Die/lj [Legislation & Jurisprudence]; Advance Care Planning/og [Organization & Administration]; Palliative Care/px [Psychology]; Child Advocacy; Pediatrics/og [Organization & Administration]; Child Advocacy/es [Ethics]; Child Advocacy/lj [Legislation & Jurisprudence]; Child Advocacy/px [Psychology]; Minors/lj [Legislation & Jurisprudence]; Minors/px [Psychology]; Parental Consent/es [Ethics]; Parental Consent/lj [Legislation & Jurisprudence]; Parental Consent/px [Psychology]; Patient Participation/lj [Legislation & Jurisprudence]; Patient Participation/px [Psychology]; Pediatrics/es [Ethics]; Right to Die/es [Ethics]

Although laws such as the Patient Self-Determination Act encourage individuals to address their end-of-life treatment preferences using advance directives, the wishes of children have traditionally been ignored or, perhaps even worse, overruled. Given that there is a substantial body of research indicating that children are capable of making mature decisions when faced with terminal illness, the author proposes granting minors, especially older minors, the right to participate in making end-of-life decisions. Children who complete advance directives benefit in multiple ways. Adopting this approach could benefit patients by demonstrating respect for patient autonomy and informing parents and providers that the minor may be ready to stop aggressive treatment.

2008

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