Gillick Competency: The Case Study Of Amira

Running head: GILLICK COMPETENCY: THE CASE STUDY OF AMIRA
GILLICK COMPETENCY: THE CASE STUDY OF AMIRA (ABSTRACT)
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1GILLICK COMPETENCY: THE CASE STUDY OF AMIRA
Abstract
Introduction
The following paper and presentation will briefly discuss on the critical aspects of child
and family centered care with respect to the Gillick competence and the case of Amira – a 13
year old refugee from Syria who has refused treatment with regards to acute appendicitis.
Aims
 To critically compare and contrast the practice of child centered care in pediatric nursing,
with respect to the Gillick competence and the case study of Amira.
 To critically compare and contrast the practice of family centered care in pediatric
nursing with respect to the Gillick competence and the case study of Amira.
 To provide key recommendations with respect to the child and family centered
approaches to be considered in the case of Amira as well as underlying philosophical and
professional standards underlying associated with the same.
Discussion
There is no mention on the standards and measurements to be considered with respect to
understanding the level of maturity and intelligence in a child. Another key aspect in the Gillick
competency is the lack of consideration of the influence or impact of the clinical issue upon the
child’s decision to refuse to consent. Additionally, there is no mention of the role of health
literacy or cultural influences. Further, it is the professional as well as legal obligation of the
nurse to consider decisions of multiple individuals which brings forth the nursing need to not just
practice person or child centered practice but also family centered practice. Thus, it is

2GILLICK COMPETENCY: THE CASE STUDY OF AMIRA
unprofessional and predominantly a punishable offence for the pediatric nurse to merely limit
critical thinking and decision-making to only Amira’s decision with respect to the Gillick
competency. Thus, there is need for the pediatric nurse to comply with philosophical principles
of deontology as well as nursing professional standards in the case of Amira.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is advisable to adhere to the professional practice codes as well as
philosophical models of deontology for the purpose of arriving at an evidence-based decision.

3GILLICK COMPETENCY: THE CASE STUDY OF AMIRA
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