Patient autonomy such a big topic in medicine. It is also something that I think about a lot now that I have started clinical rotations. In different countries and cultures, the importance of patient autonomy changes. In the US, there is a big push for patients being informed and involved in their medical decisions. To me, this makes a lot of sense! However, one thing that I have been surprised about is what autonomy actually means in a medical setting.
Of course, the patient will have the last say (if they are of age and mentally capable of making decisions). But I was so surprised at how simple words can make all the difference in what a patient chooses. When doctors and nurses talk to patients, they have an idea in mind about what the best treatment plan should be. Whether you try to be completely unbiased or not, you can unintentionally persuade a patient to pick a treatment plan. On one hand, the medical professionals have gone through years of training and have had a lot of experience with good and bad outcomes. On the other hand, does the patient really have full autonomy over their care if they are being persuaded one way or the other? On top of that, even doctors disagree with treatment plans.
Just something to think about.
