When considering prognosis disclosure to a minor, what is the best approach?

When considering prognosis disclosure to a minor, what is the best approach?

• A. Determine the minor's understanding and involve parents appropriately.
• B. Always withhold prognosis from minors.
• C. Always disclose the full prognosis to minors.
• D. Always leave prognosis decisions to the parents.

Answer: (B)

Prognosis disclosure to a minor should be tailored to the child’s developmental level, with appropriate involvement of the parents. Start by assessing what the child can understand about the illness and its likely course, then explain in clear, age-appropriate terms. Involve the parents to support the child’s understanding, help translate medical information into meaningful choices, and align with the child’s best interests. This approach respects the child’s growing autonomy while providing necessary support, rather than withholding information or pushing all decisions onto the parents. If the child demonstrates greater understanding, progressively share more detail with the child’s assent, always within a family-centered, supportive framework.

Prognosis disclosure to a minor should be tailored to the child’s developmental level, with appropriate involvement of the parents. Start by assessing what the child can understand about the illness and its likely course, then explain in clear, age-appropriate terms. Involve the parents to support the child’s understanding, help translate medical information into meaningful choices, and align with the child’s best interests. This approach respects the child’s growing autonomy while providing necessary support, rather than withholding information or pushing all decisions onto the parents. If the child demonstrates greater understanding, progressively share more detail with the child’s assent, always within a family-centered, supportive framework.