ABSTRACT
The concept of ‘consumer choice’ within the British healthcare sector is regarded as involving patients, whether children or adults, by offering them individual choice in matters that relate to them (O’Hara, 2012). Children as consumers is a complex concept that traditionally has been related to consumer issues connected to material goods, foods and lifestyle, discussed in relation to advertising, socialisation and the behaviour of children. However, this customary concept of consumer does not have the same relevance in healthcare matters. In this chapter we discuss health consumerism from a different perspective. We will look at how children and young people consume health services, who makes the decisions about their health, how much voice and agency children and young people have in healthcare matters and the extent to which they have a choice in such matters. During the chapter we will review current issues of competency and choice, how children’s rights are enshrined in law and policy to protect and promote children’s voice and whether or not these intents meet their obligations. The discussions in this chapter will appraise the role of children, parents and professionals in healthcare matters and will include a number of case studies that will provide examples of policy and practice relating to children with healthcare needs.
