Bioethical aspects of HIV infection in children.
The care of HIV-infected children is fraught with many bioethical conflicts and dilemmas that require careful attention if care is to be provided appropriately. Understanding of the interplay of such general principles as autonomy, nonmaleficence, confidentiality, and veracity helps to clarify the nature of specific conflicts. This article addresses both general principles and their specific applications to pediatric patients with HIV infection. It addresses these matters from the points of view both of patients and parents. It shows why conflict is practically inevitable, and it points the way toward prevention and resolution of conflict. Practical guidelines are provided in relation to the critical problem of disclosure of diagnosis to the patient.
Davis
J K
JK
New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA.
Shah
K
K
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000293:Adolescent; D001675:Bioethics; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014342:Truth Disclosure