​Autonomy is one of the four pillars of medical ethics. In medical terms, autonomy is the right of patients to make their own informed decisions about their medical care. It allows the patient to be involved in their diagnosis and treatment.

Importance

​Patient autonomy recognizes that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, health, and well-being which can improve patients’ satisfaction with their care. It also promotes informed decision-making and ensures that patients have access to accurate information about their health conditions, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits.

The Right to Refuse Treatment

​In most healthcare systems, patients have the legal right to refuse medical treatment. This includes surgeries, medications, or even life-saving interventions. It is important for the patient to make an informed decision. A physician’s point of view differs from the patient’s point of view as they may have different goals and values. Therefore, under the assumption that they know their rights, the patient’s wishes come first.

Vulnerable Populations

​Groups of people who are most at risk of coercion or lack the autonomy to make informed consent include: children, the elderly, people with mental disabilities, and economically or educationally disadvantaged people. These people might face some difficulties in exercising their autonomy. Fortunately, there are many professionals, such as healthcare providers, healthcare navigators, family members, and mental health professionals, who can support these populations. In the US, youths under eighteen are not allowed to make healthcare decisions without their parent’s consent but they can give valid consent to major recommended treatment from about twelve years old. At this age, the parent or guardian is encouraged to discuss the child’s health status with the patient.

Challenges

​Some challenges in exercising patient autonomy include coercion, bias, and manipulation. Coercion, or the act of persuading someone to do something by force, can make patients feel pressured to choose an option they don’t want because of family or societal expectations. Bias is another challenge as healthcare providers may assume that one option fits the patient better and make it seem like the better option. However, the patient may have different values and opinions than the healthcare provider. Manipulation may also occur if the healthcare provider excludes important information to influence the patient’s decision on a specific treatment.

Solutions

​Some solutions to the challenges stated above are training healthcare professionals on ethical topics related to autonomy, such as shared decision-making and patient-centered care, and implementing policies to ensure that all patients have access to interpreters and support services. By addressing the challenges, healthcare systems can better protect the patient’s autonomy.

Conclusion

​Autonomy is one of the major ethics in healthcare, allowing patients to make their decisions on what they think is best for themselves. All patients should be given the opportunity and support to make decisions that fit their needs and values.

Works Cited

Nineham, Laura. “Medical Ethics: Autonomy.” The Medic Portal, 11 Jan. 2024, www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/medical-school-interview/medical-ethics/medical-ethics-autonomy/. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024. 

Pirotte, Benjamin D. “Refusal of Care.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560886/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024. 

“Right to Refuse Treatment.” Vermont Ethics Network | Advancing Health Care Ethics, 13 Feb. 2024, vtethicsnetwork.org/medical-ethics/right-to-refuse-treatment. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.