Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a critical element of any theory that gives weight to autonomy?
What is a critical element of any theory that gives weight to autonomy?
What is the purpose of full disclosure and truthfulness in modern times?
What is the purpose of full disclosure and truthfulness in modern times?
What is the foundation of the patient's right to give informed consent to treatment?
What is the foundation of the patient's right to give informed consent to treatment?
What is the primary way in which patient preferences become expressed and applied?
What is the primary way in which patient preferences become expressed and applied?
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What is one of the components of informed consent?
What is one of the components of informed consent?
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What is a necessary component of informed consent?
What is a necessary component of informed consent?
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What is another component of informed consent?
What is another component of informed consent?
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What is a component of informed consent that involves a discussion of alternative treatments?
What is a component of informed consent that involves a discussion of alternative treatments?
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What is a result of respecting patient autonomy?
What is a result of respecting patient autonomy?
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What is an ethical principle that is opposed to autonomy?
What is an ethical principle that is opposed to autonomy?
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Study Notes
Paternalistic Decision Making
- Justified in emergency situations when patient lacks capacity and there is no time to consult relatives
- Exception to the general principle of autonomy
Autonomy vs. Paternalism
- Patients presumed to have sufficient capacity to decide on their own medical treatment, unless evidence suggests otherwise
- Forces that limit or obstruct patient autonomy: compromised competence, stress of illness (e.g. patients with stroke, coma, or dementia)
- Balance between autonomy and paternalism needed to provide the best help to the patient
Honesty and Truth Telling
- APhA Code of Ethics for Pharmacists (1994): pharmacists have a duty to tell the truth
- Patients have the right to truthful communication regarding their medical condition, treatment, and alternative treatments
- Challenge: balancing honesty with potential harm from full disclosure of every detail
Autonomy
- Establishes a patient's rights to self-determination and moral right to choose their own life plan and action
- Patients need to be informed in language they understand, with unbiased explanations of treatment options, risks, and benefits
Paternalism
- Health professionals seeing themselves in a parental role, knowing what is best for the patient
- Fails to consider patient preferences, beliefs, and practices
Informed Consent
- Critical element of any theory that gives weight to autonomy
- Requires a dialogue between patient and provider, including:
- Diagnosis or nature of the condition
- Purpose and nature of the treatment
- Potential complications and risks
- All reasonable alternative treatments and their relative risks and benefits
- Option of taking no action
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Description
Test your understanding of medical ethics principles, including autonomy and paternalism, in relation to patient decision-making and capacity.
