What is meant by "patient autonomy"?

Patient autonomy refers to the principle that patients have the right to make informed choices about their own healthcare. This concept is rooted in the belief that individuals should have control over their own bodies and medical decisions, allowing them to make choices that align with their values, preferences, and beliefs. In a healthcare context, this includes the right to understand the information relevant to their treatment options, to weigh the risks and benefits, and to participate actively in the decision-making process regarding their health.

The emphasis on informed consent underscores the importance of communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that patients are educated about their medical conditions and the potential implications of different treatment paths. This principle helps to foster a respectful patient-provider relationship and empowers patients to take charge of their health.

While other aspects of patient care—such as the obligation of healthcare providers to ensure well-being or the requirement for patients to follow treatment plans—are important, they do not encapsulate the concept of patient autonomy, which is fundamentally about the rights and agency of the patient in medical decisions.