The role of cognitive development in pediatric medical decision-making.

Abstract

This article examines the limitations of decision-making skills of children and adolescents in a medical adjoining matter imposed by cognitive immaturity. The author considers the work of Piaget and other theorists who have addressed when children do and do not posses the requisite maturity to make their possess decisions.

Finally, the author suggests that providers individually assess the cognitive abilities of children in an attempt to ascertain when the child is able to make his or her have decision, regardless of chronological age.

Introduction

Western medicine, which has traditionally encouraged autonomous decision-making through patients, faces a special challenge when