The child's choice: an essential component in treatment decisions.

Asking children for their opinions about and input into treatment decisions is an idea whose time has come. One way to implement this notion with school-aged children and adolescents is through the Participation in Treatment Decisions Model. This model is based on a child's rights and recognizes the varying levels of cognitive development and competency in children. Health professionals have a responsibility to be advocates for child patients, to protect their interests, values, and rights, and to include them in decisions affecting their health.

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