Health Sciences 2610F/G Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Informed Consent, Paternalism

• School: Western University
• Department: Health Sciences
• Course: Health Sciences 2610F/G
• Professor: Ken Kirkwood

Document Summary

Hippocratic model the good doctor determined what was in his patient"s best interests, and the good patient was expected to follow the doctor"s recommendations. However, now, patient autonomy is an established concept in medical practice patients have the right to refuse even medically beneficial treatments based on their autonomy. Decisional autonomy rests not with the doctor but with the patient. Even though it is important to acknowledge the importance of respect for patient autonomy and of informed consent for any treatment, there are some instances where the doctor can override this right. Informed consent is a practical application of the principle of respect for patient"s autonomy. This means that a patient should receive adequate medical information on which to make decision about whether to accept or refuse treatment. Need to consent freely without any influence/force. This informed consent serves as an ethical basis to the doctor-patient relationship.