Abstract
Decision-making capacity (DMC) for pediatric patients can be difficult to determine and is influenced by a myriad of developmental considerations. This chapter begins with a discussion concerning the nature of decision-making and what constitutes competency. The “rule of sevens” framework is then used to explicate pertinent developmental milestones for children, dividing pediatric development into 0–7, 7–14, and 14+ years of age. In particular, the authors highlight the most important cognitive, social, and emotional considerations in each of these periods and how they pertain to a child’s ability to make important medical decisions.
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Further Reading
Diekema, D.S. 2011. Adolescent refusal of lifesaving treatment: Are we asking the right questions? Adolescent Medicine 22: 213–228.
Raymundo, M.M., and J.R. Goldim. 2008. Moral psychological development related to the capacity of adolescents and elderly patients to consent. Journal of Medical Ethics. 34: 602–605.
Weithorn, L.A., and S.B. Campbell. 1982. The competency of children and adolescents to make informed treatment decisions. Child Development 53: 1589–1598.
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Hardy, N., Nortjé, N. (2022). A Developmental Perspective on Pediatric Decision-Making Capacity. In: Nortjé, N., Bester, J.C. (eds) Pediatric Ethics: Theory and Practice . The International Library of Bioethics, vol 89. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86182-7_2
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