Respect for Autonomy: The right of determination or free will of the patient. Sometimes it comes in conflict with Beneficence as the patient may choose a course of medical action that may seemingly cause harm to him. The patient may choose to withdraw from medical treatment (Kennedy, 2004). Respecting is upholding the patient’s right of autonomy.
Beneficence: The quality of being kind or doing good. To try and prevent harm, protect the patient, and defend the patient’s rights. It is patient focused not professionally focused (Kennedy, 2004).
Sometimes we are placed in ethical binds or dilemmas. Our ethical code of not assisting suicide comes smack up against respecting the right of an individual choosing to withdraw from medical treatment. At these times a personal moral dynamics model will help in the decision making process (Foley, 1997).
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