Consent in practice: a case review.
Children under 16 years of age can give their own consent to treatment if deemed 'Fraser' competent. Parents of a 14-year-old boy had refused consent for him to receive BCG immunisation but he wished to be immunised. Although he met the criteria for 'Fraser' competence, the nurse did not immunise him. This case is discussed in the context of legal precedent and ethical guidance on consent by children and young people in healthcare situations. Nurses need a sound knowledge of the legal frameworks applicable to their area of work and must understand the developmental tasks of adolescence to enable them to assess if their clients are Fraser competent.
Crosbie
Susan
S
School Health--West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004989:Ethics; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D009731:Nursing Audit; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D006113:United Kingdom