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Limiting risks by curtailing rights: a response to Dr Ryan
1Geriatric Department, Whittington Hospital, London.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Advance directives from healthy individuals are ethically sound, despite potential risks. Respecting patient autonomy means allowing informed, albeit incomplete, decisions about future healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Medical Law
- Patient Autonomy
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding the risks versus benefits of advance directives made by healthy individuals.
- Specific focus on directives for reversible mental incapacity.
Discussion:
- The paper argues that evidence supporting the disproportionate risk of advance directives is insufficient.
- Emphasizes the ethical principle of autonomy, allowing individuals to make informed, potentially risky choices.
- Acknowledges healthcare professionals' duty to inform but not to override competent adult decisions based on incomplete information.
Key Insights:
- Advance directives by healthy individuals are ethically justifiable.
- Patient autonomy is paramount, even with incomplete information.
- Medical paternalism is contrary to modern patient expectations.
Outlook:
- Further discussion on balancing autonomy with informed consent in advance care planning.
- Potential for refining guidelines on advance directive validity for healthy individuals.
- Reinforces the importance of respecting patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making.