When are children old enough to understand medical information? When are they mature enough to make wise decisions in their best interests? This book explores these questions through detailed qualitative research. It is based on in-depth interviews with children undergoing surgery, their parents and many of the staff caring for them in four city hospitals. In their own words, the child patients challenge many of the accepted ideas about their rights, interests and abilities.

When are children old enough to understand medical information? When are they mature enough to make wise decisions in their best interests? This book explores these questions through detailed qualitative research. It is based on in-depth interviews with children undergoing surgery, their parents and many of the staff caring for them in four city hospitals. In their own words, the child patients challenge many of the accepted ideas about their rights, interests and abilities.

When are children old enough to understand medical information? When are they mature enough to make wise decisions in their best interests? This book explores these questions through detailed qualitative research. It is based on in-depth interviews with children undergoing surgery, their parents and many of the staff caring for them in four city hospitals. In their own words, the child patients challenge many of the accepted ideas about their rights, interests and abilities.