SCCM Resource Library-Parents Are Advocates and Their Opinions Supersede Medical Team Decisions

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video transcript, Vanessa Madrigal, a pediatric critical care specialist and director of the Ethics Program at Children's National Hospital, argues that parents are the best advocates for their children. She emphasizes that parents have unique knowledge and experience with their child's health, and their decisions are often made in the context of their values and beliefs. Madrigal highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting parents' internal definition of being a good parent. She presents two cases to illustrate the complex decision-making process when the medical team and parents disagree about what is best for the child. Madrigal asserts that even in extreme cases, parents' opinions should supersede medical team decisions, and that outside guidance and counsel should be sought in cases of conflict. She concludes by mentioning the Courageous Parent Network, a resource for parents and providers that promotes collaboration and understanding in pediatric care.

Asset Subtitle

Patient and Family Support, Pediatrics, 2022

Asset Caption

Children with medical complexity have an increased risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes related to multiple comorbidities, the complicated nature of their care, and frequent interactions with the healthcare system. Parents of these children are often the strongest advocates for their medical care. However, sometimes the parents' desires are in direct conflict with the medical team's opinion with respect to medical interventions required, meaningful and purposeful outcomes, quality of life, and end-of-life decisions. This session will discuss the challenges when parents and the medical team disagree on a patient's best interests.

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Knowledge Area Patient and Family Support

Knowledge Area Pediatrics

Knowledge Level Intermediate

Knowledge Level Advanced

Membership Level Select

Tag Ethics and End of Life

Tag Pediatrics

Year 2022

Keywords

parents as advocates

unique parental knowledge

values and beliefs in decision-making

respecting parents' definition of good parenting

parental opinions vs medical team decisions

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