[How pediatric residents involve children during medical decision-making?].
OBJECTIVE
To describe how pediatric residents involve children during medical decision-making and evaluate the relationship between practice patterns and residents characteristics.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective multicenter anonymous written survey. Self-reported involvement of children by 45 French pediatric residents in practice pattern was collected and analysed.


RESULTS
Most residents reported they informed patients in more than 50% of the cases (82%). Only a minority of the residents asked for consent, respected children refusal or presented other choices to the treatment. The main reasons that explain the lack of partnership are children incompetence and the medical situation. No statistically significant relationship between practice patterns and residents characteristics was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Partnership with children varies across residents and according to the level of involvement considered. No statistical differences were obtained to explain variations between residents' attitude toward involvement of children. Nevertheless medical education in ethics or decision-making could increase partnership with children.
André
N
N
Département d'oncologie pédiatrique, hôpital pour enfants de << La Timone >>, Marseille, France. nicolas.andre@ap-hm.fr
Gaudart
J
J
Bernard
J-L
JL
Chabrol
B
B
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D010358:Patient Participation; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires