Children 'should be involved in decisions about their care'
Monday 25th July 2011
Not allowing children to be involved in discussions about their hospital care causes unwarranted distress, new research shows.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing revealed that children excluded from such discussions often feel scared and angry that no-one listens to what they have to say or tells them what is happening.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that children felt they had the right to participate in debates surrounding themselves and their bodies.
A higher level of familiarity with the hospital and its procedures was seen to enhance participation, as did the child's relationship with health professionals and the duration of their hospitalisation.
While many children relied on their parents to relay information from healthcare professionals, a large number did so out of necessity because they found it difficult to communicate with doctors.
In addition, parents were seen to be instrumental in the success of their children's communication with healthcare professionals, or lack thereof.
With regard to gaining information, children valued their parents' role as mediators, although parents were also able to stop them playing an active role in discussions by talking for them and not supporting their attempts to participate.
Professor Imelda Coyne, of the college, said: "Healthcare professionals and parents appear to play a significant role in whether children are encouraged and able to take part in decisions about their health.
"Clearly some may have reservations or concerns about children's participation and this suggests the need for clear guidelines/policies that reflect the views of all stakeholders."
She added that including children in decisions about their care conveys respect, enhances and develops their decision-making capabilities as well as contributing to psychosocial well-being.
In other news, discussing end-of-life care was seen to bring relief to families and make subsequent medical care easier, in a study published in journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Written by Mathew Horton
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