David B. Waisel, MD, a Harvard anesthesiologist, said when patients turn 14 they are able to make decisions about treatment with anesthesia, according to an Anesthesiology News report.
Children six years old and under are not considered responsible for their actions, and between 7-13 years old people know right from wrong but cannot predict the consequences of their actions, according to the report. At 14, most people can weigh different options, anticipate outcomes and explain their reasoning.
Monica S. Vavilala, MD, associate professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at Seattle's University of Washington, said she prefers to use patients' maturity rather than age as a marker for when to treat them as adults in healthcare, according to the report.
Read the Anesthesiology News report on anesthesia informed consent.
Read more coverage on pediatric anesthesia:
- FDA Panel on Pediatric Anesthesia Produces Many Goals, Few Answers
- FDA Cannot Draw Definitive Conclusion on Anesthesia in Young Children
- ASA Expresses Support for FDA Research on Pediatric Anesthesia
Children six years old and under are not considered responsible for their actions, and between 7-13 years old people know right from wrong but cannot predict the consequences of their actions, according to the report. At 14, most people can weigh different options, anticipate outcomes and explain their reasoning.
Monica S. Vavilala, MD, associate professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at Seattle's University of Washington, said she prefers to use patients' maturity rather than age as a marker for when to treat them as adults in healthcare, according to the report.
Read the Anesthesiology News report on anesthesia informed consent.
Read more coverage on pediatric anesthesia:
- FDA Panel on Pediatric Anesthesia Produces Many Goals, Few Answers
- FDA Cannot Draw Definitive Conclusion on Anesthesia in Young Children
- ASA Expresses Support for FDA Research on Pediatric Anesthesia