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Pediatric Ethics: Theory and Practice pp 23–37Cite as

A Developmental Perspective on Pediatric Decision-Making Capacity

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Part of the book series: The International Library of Bioethics ((ILB,volume 89))

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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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA

    N. Hardy

  2. Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA

    N. Nortjé

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  1. N. Hardy
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  2. N. Nortjé
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Correspondence to N. Nortjé .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Nico Nortjé

  2. UNLV School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA

    Johan C. Bester

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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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