Health care autonomy in children with chronic conditions: implications for self-care and family management

Abstract

Health care autonomy typically occurs during late adolescence but health care providers and families often expect children with chronic health conditions to master self-care earlier. Few studies have examined the development of health care autonomy as it pertains to self-care and family management. This review links the 3 concepts and discusses the implications for families and health care providers. Case studies are provided as exemplars to highlight areas where intervention and research is needed.

Figure. Development of Health Care Autonomy

A. Parent-child Autonomy Readiness Factors include those areas the child and parent assess independently and in interaction with one another to determine readiness to increase child health care autonomy for condition management. B. Interaction/Activity considers the condition management, both from the family and child. C. Child outcome examines the child health and well-being as well as the child autonomy and self-care.