Precision decisions: tailoring decision-sharing in contemporary paediatric healthcare

Decision-making in paediatric health is evolving from an era of paternalism to an approach centred on the interests and preferences of patients and parents.1 2 The character of decision-making for children has also changed dramatically. The evidence base is rapidly shifting, patient complexity is high and innovative medical and technological advances make chronic diseases more manageable, although often at the expense of invasive, potentially burdensome therapies. Decisions are often time critical and at a pivotal nexus of life and death. This landscape of paediatric decision-making is shaded in grey, with uncertainties, and a diversity of values and weight placed on benefits and burdens. Patients and families have increased access to information of varying quality and a greater expectation of participating in their medical care. In an era of patient autonomy and a widening zone of parental discretion, healthcare providers are at risk of neglecting one...

Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - July 19, 2023 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Siegel, B., Moynihan, K. Tags: Editorial Source Type: research