Handling request for non-disclosure of clinical information in paediatrics

Abstract

Non-disclosure in Paediatric Practice is a controversial issue. There was a time when the care of children was solely the responsibility of parents and any decision with respect to treatment or non-treatment would have been the joint responsibility of the parents and of the attending medical professionals. This practice, viewed as adopting a more paternalistic approach, has been challenged in many parts of the world. In essence what is being challenged is the notion that the sole responsibility of decision-making rests with parents.