Patient autonomy and metabolic bariatric surgery: an empirical perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Surgical Decision-Making
• Patient Autonomy

Background:

• Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS) is increasingly popular, raising ethical concerns about informed consent.
• External factors may influence patient decisions, questioning the voluntariness of choosing MBS.
• The study investigates influences on MBS candidates and their impact on autonomous decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS) candidates' decision-making.
• To assess whether these influences compromise candidates' ability to make autonomous choices.
• To inform ethical practices regarding informed consent for MBS.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative methodology utilizing 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews with adult bariatric surgery patients.
• Inductive analysis of interview data using grounded theory.
• Application of autonomy theories to empirical findings.

Main Results:

• Category 1 influences (reasoned arguments) did not compromise patient autonomy.
• Category 2 influences (threats from physicians or family) were found to undermine autonomy.
• Category 3 influences (emotional/informational manipulation, social norms) had varied impacts on autonomy.

Conclusions:

• Influences on Metabolic Bariatric Surgery (MBS) candidates can potentially undermine autonomous decision-making.
• Reformulating practitioners' duties regarding informed consent for MBS is suggested.
• Medical practitioners must recognize and mitigate influences to promote autonomous patient choices.