Issues of care for hospitalized youth Flashcards
What are some of the challenges regarding hospitalization that are unique to adolescents?
Teens are at a period in their lives when they are challenging authority in order to create an identity. Hospitalization can create a sense of loss of control. This can result in anxiety, sensation of powerless and hopelessness, overdependence and loss of independence.
They can struggle with a loss of privacy.
When can teens provide consent?
According to the Health Care Consent Act, consent for medical treatment depends on mental capacity not on chronological age?
Are the rules for consent particularly different in any province?
Yes, in Quebec, there is a fixed age of consent at 14 years, below which the consent of a guardian is required.
How do you determine if a teenage has mental capacity?
They have to be able to understand their conditions and the options available. More specifically, they have to understand and appreciate the risks and benefits of accepting or refusing treatment
What do you do if the teen does not want to involve their parent in the decision?
Most capable teens will choose to involve their parent or other people important to them (guidance counselor, friend, coach). If they do not want to involve their parent, you should encourage them and then respect their wishes. If they want alternate people involved, as above, you should try to accommodate.
When can a physician break confidentiality with teens?
Confidentiality is a right.
Confidentiality can be broken if the information relates to the safety of the patient or others: homicidal or suicidal intent, abuse or neglect of themselves or a sibling.
What are some of the benefits of a specific adolescent ward?
- peer support grouping adolescents together with opportunities to socialize
- better at addressing the complexity of medical, mental health and social needs of the teen,
- improved therapeutic environment
- improved privacy (a big problem for adolescents)
