Professionals can get practical advice on disclosure from their own professional organizations or their trust`s legal departments. Information that has personal consequences – such as notifying authorities about a patient`s epilepsy – should not be disclosed without consent, unless it is in the public interest or legal obligations to do so. Competence depends on context and can fluctuate. Pain, environment, and mental state can reduce competence, but experience of illness can increase it. In law, the assessment of competence is the responsibility of the physician, although other professionals with the appropriate skills may be delegated to assist. Refusal to cooperate in the assessment should not lead to a presumption of incompetence. Some competent teens may want to share decision-making with trusted adults or let others decide for them. Competency assessment should take place in situations where competence is maximized – after appropriate information in an appropriate environment. Environment. Unlike capable adults, a young person`s right to refuse treatment depends on the circumstances. Objections to disclosure of information should mainly be taken into account. Disclosure of information may be required by law or to protect the minor or others from the risk of serious harm – including in the public interest.
The young person must be informed that the information and the reasons for it will be disclosed. Adolescence represents the final phase of the transition from childhood dependence to adult autonomy. This can be challenging for youth, parents and health professionals due to the nature and speed of change. Uncertainty about ethical and legal rights and responsibilities can lead professionals to refuse to see adolescents under the age of 16 alone, out of fear, parental anger or even legal action. Disputes may arise from a young person`s ability to request, consent or refuse medical treatment and their right to confidentiality. In most cases, these disputes can be resolved through discussion, compromise and partnership, but in extreme circumstances, the courts may be involved. involved. Obtaining consent for medical treatment respects young people`s right to self-determination. To be legally valid, consent must be sufficiently informed and given voluntarily by an authorized person.
Adolescence, a period of transition of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an adolescent as anyone between the ages of 10 and 19. This age range corresponds to the WHO definition of young people, which refers to people aged 10 to 24 years. In many societies, however, adolescence is closely equated with puberty and the cycle of physical changes that culminate in reproductive maturity. In other societies, adolescence is understood in broader terms, encompassing both the psychological, social and moral terrain, as well as the strictly physical aspects of maturation. In these societies, the term adolescence usually refers to. (100 words on 1926) Issues related to sexual health – such as contraception, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and abortion – are also problematic insofar as issues of competence and confidentiality can coexist. Legal advice for dealing with such situations exists and also applies to topics other than contraception. Negative consequences can ensue if a teen`s concern for confidentiality leads them to specialized clinics that do not have access to their complete health record.
Archives. Issues of consent and confidentiality are at the heart of many clinical interactions with adolescents. Services that are not considered confidential are much less likely to be used by youth. Those who work with youth must have a clear understanding of consent and confidentiality, and ensure that the services in which they work have policies and practices that increase confidentiality and competence among adolescent patients. Similarly, an attempt should be made to persuade competent young people to authorize disclosure. In the face of persistent refusal, disclosure must be justified on the assumption that there is a substantial risk of harm to the young person or others. Youth should be informed of the intention to disclose, unless doing so would put them at additional risk of harm. damage. Situations where confidentiality is particularly important for youth Where the risk-benefit balance is more blurred, greater consideration of best interests is required. Legal intervention may be necessary if disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation and mediation.
The courts have overturned the rejection of psychotropic drugs, blood transfusions in leukemia, and heart-lung transplants by adolescents. Transplantation.