Honoring Patient Autonomy at End-of-life decisions Thesis

Honoring Patient Autonomy at End-of-life decisions - dissertation ExampleThus respect of forbearing autonomy is based on the informed consent. It therefore follows that where a patient is competent to make a checkup decision, it is unethical and unlawful to commence treatment without number 1 informing the patient of the benefits and detriments of the treatment and allowing the patient to determine whether or not he or she wishes to suck the treatment (Harris, 11).In end-of-life situations however, it can be especially difficult for the patient to assess the possible outcomes associated with receiving or not receiving specific medical attention. At the same time, medical pr identification numberitioners are also confronting conflicts between the certificate of indebtedness to save lives and the duty to respect patient autonomy. Moreover, family members often intervene attempting to make the decision for a loved-one who is veneer imminent death. This paper examines the literature and the law relative to patient autonomy with a view to identifying how medical practitioners should resolve these challenges and tensions in favour of respecting patient autonomy. Implications for practice and policies will be discussed with a view to beef up the protection of patients right to autonomy.A narrow definition of patient autonomy describes the concept as the patients right to determine whether or not he or she will receive a certain recommended medical treatment or whether or not he or she will aggravate it. The liberal individualist interpretation defines patient autonomy as the patients right to act intentionally, with understanding, and without controlling influences (Stiggelbout, Molewijk, Otten, Timmermans, Bockel, and Kievit, 269). Thus the medical practitioner has a responsibility to help the patient understand the pros and cons of accept or declining medical treatment. At the same time, discharging this responsibility requires