A time to die: withdrawal of paediatric intensive care.
Each individual has the right to a dignified death, which may necessitate a decision to cease active treatment. The key to making such a decision is communication between professionals, child and family. Ethical principles may help to provide a basis and structure for decision making. It may be useful for units to formulate a decision-making framework based on an agreed ethical approach. As a minor, the child is non-autonomous and his/her interests are represented by the parents; however, it is essential that the child is included, if possible, in the decision-making process. The nurse is responsible for updating him/herself on ethical issues, and acquiring the knowledge necessary to represent both the child and his/her colleagues in discussion. Withdrawal of aggressive care does not mean abandoning the child and family. On the contrary, all the skills and resources available will be required to ensure a peaceful and dignified death, and to support the child and family.
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Bracegirdle
D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D003422:Critical Care; D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012297:Right to Die; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013727:Terminal Care; D028761:Withholding Treatment