Factors involved in young people's decisions about their health care

Abstract

Many factors influence the process a young person goes through when deciding to consent to or refuse treatment. A young person's physiological and psychological development significantly affects his or her ability to make decisions and personal resilience may determine how they assess and manage risk. Parents and guardians also have an important role and a legal duty in this process, as does the power of the court when refusal of treatment is not considered acceptable. It is the responsibility of health professionals to support the young person and the family by providing knowledge and information that will help them in the decision-making process.