Christopher Jones

Paramedic

United Kingdom

Doctorate Title: Child refusal of medical treatment: Paramedic understanding of the legal and ethical framework.

Doctorate Description: This thesis will expound the current legal and ethical framework of the refusal of medical treatment by minors. It will seek to examine concepts of child competence, autonomy and best interests in regard to the child's ability to refuse medical care and critically analyse guidance, case law and statute to determine the current legal position. Paramedic understanding of these concepts will then be investigated to determine how the profession of paramedic understands and interprets these concepts underpinning their clinical practice.