Medical Ethics: Understanding Relationships Between Doctors and Children

The ethical child, parent or guardian and doctor relationship 

“It is a child’s world,” some doctors might suggest, while others reply, “It may seem like a child’s world, but it is really an adult world, when it comes to the realm of medical ethics.” 

Perhaps both statements are true to some extent.

With respect to medical ethics, a relationship between a doctor and a child can be fragile, because the doctor-patient relationship includes the parent or guardian of that child.

In a doctor-patient relationship with a child, a doctor is obligated to adhere to medical-ethical standards that are acceptable to the parents or guardians, in other words, whoever is responsible for that child. Seldom is it just a doctor-child relationship, although that can happen. 

For example, if a child is involved in an accident, medical professionals may not be able to contact his or her parents or guardians. The doctor may assume the responsibility for medical decisions, but will contact the parents or guardian, as soon as possible.

At times, in a child’s world, anything goes. When someone sees something as being fun or funny, in some way, a child will usually see it that way also. He or she may not know the difference, unless it involves something that hurts or upsets him or her.

At times, an older child can be hurt, upset or offended, if he or she realizes that something is not right in terms of what is happening in their doctor-patient relationship, but still may not say anything to his or her parents or guardian because of the general attitude that the doctor is always right. A child of any age should never suffer abuse of any kind at the hands of a doctor.

Sound medical-ethical practice in a doctor–patient relationship with a child is important. What a child may report to his or her parents or guardian, with respect to the doctor, may adversely affect his or her medical practice. A child may misinterpret something said or done by a doctor. Later, the doctor in question may have a difficult time defending his or her words or actions.

In a proper medical-ethical relationship with a child, it is important that there is a nurse present for examinations and procedures carried out by the doctor. Depending on the child, with respect to his or her age, intellect and understanding, there can be misunderstandings. A child may not always understand what a doctor is stating or doing, whereas a nurse, parents or guardians may able to speak to the child in a way that he or she understands.  

Accurate documentation of examinations, procedures, as well as the response of the child, is vital to protect the doctor, as well as other medical professionals. In any situation, there can be future moral, ethical and legal implications. Obtaining consent from a parent or guardian, prior to surgery or procedures is important.

A parent or guardian can address areas of concern, at any time, with respect to a doctor-patient relationship with a child. A child’s health and well being, protection and safety, entrusted to a doctor when a parent or guardian seeks his or her guidance, is vital for the survival of that child. Parents or a guardian may ask for a second opinion from other medical professionals.

Sometimes, emergency scenarios occur and a doctor has to make decisions without a doctor-patient relationship that includes parents or guardians. A sound doctor-child medical-ethical relationship minus parents or guardians, still should have the best interests of the child at heart, not his or her own.

Most doctors love children and love their professional doctor-patient relationships with children, as well as their parents or guardian. Not all children, parents or guardians are easy to contend with, as there can be many unpredictable and trying situations.

Ideally, the doctor, parents or guardians work well together, as a team in a sound medical-ethical relationship.