Assessing an Adolescent's Capacity for Autonomous Decision-Making in Clinical Care.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_412FB5969B9B
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Minutes: analyse of a published work.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Assessing an Adolescent's Capacity for Autonomous Decision-Making in Clinical Care.
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society For Adolescent Medicine
Author(s)
Michaud P.A., Blum R.W., Benaroyo L., Zermatten J., Baltag V.
ISSN
1879-1972 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1054-139X
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2015
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
57
Number
4
Pages
361-366
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Status: ppublish
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide policy guidance on how to assess the capacity of minor adolescents for autonomous decision-making without a third party authorization, in the field of clinical care. In June 2014, a two-day meeting gathered 20 professionals from all continents, working in the field of adolescent medicine, neurosciences, developmental and clinical psychology, sociology, ethics, and law. Formal presentations and discussions were based on a literature search and the participants' experience. The assessment of adolescent decision-making capacity includes the following: (1) a review of the legal context consistent with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; (2) an empathetic relationship between the adolescent and the health care professional/team; (3) the respect of the adolescent's developmental stage and capacities; (4) the inclusion, if relevant, of relatives, peers, teachers, or social and mental health providers with the adolescent's consent; (5) the control of coercion and other social forces that influence decision-making; and (6) a deliberative stepwise appraisal of the adolescent's decision-making process. This stepwise approach, already used among adults with psychiatric disorders, includes understanding the different facets of the given situation, reasoning on the involved issues, appreciating the outcomes linked with the decision(s), and expressing a choice. Contextual and psychosocial factors play pivotal roles in the assessment of adolescents' decision-making capacity. The evaluation must be guided by a well-established procedure, and health professionals should be trained accordingly. These proposals are the first to have been developed by a multicultural, multidisciplinary expert panel.
Keywords
Adolescent, Adolescent Health/standards, Adolescent Health Services/standards, Confidentiality, Decision Making, Humans, Informed Consent/standards, International Cooperation, Mental Competency/standards, Psychology, Adolescent
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
19/10/2015 13:34
Last modification date
03/12/2020 11:32
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