Inclusion of Children and Young People in Healthcare
Presentation slide that can be used when introducing the tool to its users: Inclusion of Children and Young People in Healthcare (PowerPoint presentation)
Children and young people want to be involved in decisions that concern them
The inclusion of children and young people should be strengthened and given space in everyday practices. Inclusion improves the quality of care and patient safety.
What is inclusion for children and young people?
- Having decision-making power in their own lives, opportunities to influence matters, and reciprocity in social relationships.
- What is essential is the child’s or young person’s own experience that they have been able to participate in handling matters that concern them.
Genuine inclusion in care is possible only if the child or young person receives enough understandable information about the matter. Responsibility for this lies with the healthcare professional.
Inclusion is supported by meeting the patient with dignity and respect, and by ensuring that time and space are given for decision-making.
Rights of the child and young person
- A child has the right to participate in decision-making regarding their own care. The opinion of a minor about a medical procedure must be ascertained (Act on the Status and Rights of Patients 785/1992). A child must be allowed to influence decisions concerning them in accordance with their level of development (Finnish Constitution, Section 6.2).
- Children of all ages have the right to express their opinion. Even a preschool-aged child may be able to participate in discussions about their care.
- A young person who is sufficiently mature may refuse permission for their patient information to be disclosed to their guardian.
How to involve children and young people?
- Create a safe atmosphere. Provide information, ask questions, listen, and encourage.
- Put yourself in the child’s position – Ask what matters to them?
- Acknowledge the child’s own competence and opinions.
- Give the child time to prepare.
- Do not ignore the child by speaking only to the parents.
- Respect the child’s wish to leave decisions to professionals and parents.
- Support families individually.