Question

Define the concepts of paternalism and autonomy. Describe your duty/obligation as a health care provider in relationship to patient autonomy. How can you as a health professional respect the decision of those you serve when their decision is contrary to your personal convictions?

Answer 1

Paternalism: is defined as the interference by the physician with the freedom of action of the patient. This action of the physician is justified on the grounds of the best interest of the patient as the patient is considered incapable of understanding his medical condition due to a lack of the medical knowledge.

Autonomy is defined as the right of a patient to think and decide freely about his health destiny.

My duty/obligation as a health care provider in relation to patient autonomy is promoting autonomy, by redirecting the current efforts toward clarifying principles of justice.

As a health professional, I will respect the decision of those I serve when their decision is contrary to my personal convictions by redirecting the efforts toward clarifying principles of justice.