What does "informed refusal" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "informed refusal" refers to a patient's right to decline medical treatment after being adequately informed about the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with that treatment. This concept is rooted in the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent, emphasizing that patients must have enough understanding of their healthcare options to make knowledgeable decisions about their own bodies and treatment plans.

By ensuring that patients are aware of what they are refusing, healthcare providers respect the individual's right to make choices that align with their personal values and beliefs. This process involves clear communication from the provider, allowing the patient to weigh the pros and cons of the recommended treatment and to decide whether they wish to proceed with it or not. Proper documentation of this decision process is essential, but the primary focus of informed refusal is the patient's decision-making authority concerning medical interventions.