The objective of paternalism, like that of autonomy, is the good of the same moral agent, the patient [9]. It implies that the physician makes decisions based on what he or she discerns to be in the patient’s best interests, even for those patients who could make the decisions for themselves [11].
What means medical paternalism?
In a healthcare context “paternalism” occurs when a physician or other healthcare professional makes decisions for a patient without the explicit consent of the patient. The physician believes the decisions are in the patient’s best interests.
Why is paternalism important in bioethics?
Paternalism—choosing a course of action in the patient’s best interest but without the patient’s consent—serves as an integral value in ethical decision making, both as a balance to other values and as an ethical obligation to neither withhold guidance nor abdicate professional responsibility to patients [12, 16, 17].
Why is paternalism important in nursing?
What is medical paternalism?
Medical paternalism is a set of attitudes and practices in medicine in which a physician determines that a patient’s wishes or choices should not be honored. These practices were current through the early to mid 20th century, and were characterised by a paternalistic attitude, surrogate decision-making and a lack of respect for patient autonomy.
What is paternalism in health care?
Paternalism. The participants expressed the importance of working in the best interest of patients, which is fundamental in the perspective of paternalism. They wanted to promote and restore the health of the patient. If necessary, coercive treatment could be administered in the best interest of the patient.
Why is patient autonomy important?
Patient autonomy. Patient autonomy means ensuring that patients make informed decisions and give consent based on good information. It is important not to make assumptions about what patients/clients and their carers want, but to work in partnership for the best outcomes.
