Ethical and bioethical dilemmas in adolescent health care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the ethical and bioethical conflicts involved in adolescent health care, as described in the literature. Systematic review utilizing qualitative analysis, via the technique of thematic analysis, was employed.  The databases utilized and the descriptors are presented in Methodology. The area includes adolescent patients, who, according to the World Health Organization, range from the ages of 10 to almost 20 and, under the Statute of the Child and Adolescent, from 10 to 18 years of age. Thus the study involves patients with such broad age ranges and with particularities derived from being no longer a child but not yet an adult. This fact requires different medical specialists and health professionals in caring for these patients, as well as knowledge of ethical, bioethical and legal aspects involved in health care.