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Published on: February 17, 2011
Professional autonomy: a stumbling block for good medical practice. An analysis and interpretation
1Department of Metamedica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leiden, The Netherlands. h.m.dupuis@lumc.nl
Abstract:
In this article the various descriptions and interpretations of professional autonomy, as have been given in the articles from Belgium, Italy and the UK are subjected to a further analysis. The implicit claim that professional autonomy of physicians is beneficial for the health of patients is scrutinized and is proven to be untrue and invalid. The conclusion is that professional autonomy is more directed at the interests of physicians than of those of patients and deserves no special place in health care.
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