Honoring Patient Autonomy at End-of-life decisions Thesis

Honoring Patient Autonomy at End-of-life decisions - Thesis Example Thus respect of patient autonomy is based on the informed consent. It therefore follows that where a patient is competent to make a medical decision, it is unethical and unlawful to commence treatment without first 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 receive 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 practitioners are also confronting conflicts between the duty 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 facing 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 strengthening the protection of patients’ right to autonomy. A narrow definition of patient autonomy describes the concept as the patient’s right to determine whether or not he or she will receive a certain recommended medical treatment or whether or not he or she will decline it. The liberal individualist interpretation defines patient autonomy as the patient’s right to â€Å"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 accepting or declining medical treatment. At the same time, discharging this responsibility requires