Question

As a health care manager and leader, you will need to explain to others the significance of autonomy, which is considered by some as the first principle of bioethics.

Read Decision Scenario 8, "When does 'No' Mean No?" on page 107. Does Dr. Lupe have an ethical obligation to tell Alice if he believes she is making the wrong decision?

Answer 1

Answer.

The principle of respect for autonomy has shaped much of the discourse in bioethics over the last 50 years. In its present application, it is most commonly used to indicate the practice of respecting autonomous choice. In the particular case, the focus on patient choice does not properly grasp the moral aspects involved in proving healthcare.

While Alice as a patient has the choice to determine the mode of treatment, Medical decisions are often portrayed as if doctors and patients in confidence confront specific decisions about examinations or treatment. However, the ground reality is that most of the decisions are never even presented to patients, as it would be unethical to suggest something that is not medically justifiable. In this case, Dr. Lupe’s ethical responsibility of benevolence and clients safety is far more crucial than the resp3ct for client’s decision and autonomy.