Healthcare professionals are trained to uphold ethical principles in their practice. However, in certain situations, the ethical principles of patient autonomy and beneficence may come into conflict.  Finding the right balance between these two principles can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care.
Patient autonomy is the principle that patients have the right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. Healthcare professionals are obligated to provide patients with all relevant information necessary to make an informed decision about their treatment options. This principle is grounded in the belief that patients are capable of making their own decisions and that these decisions should be respected by healthcare professionals.
Beneficence is the principle that healthcare professionals should act in the best interests of their patients. This principle requires healthcare professionals to promote the well-being of their patients, prevent harm, and provide care that is in the patient’s best interest. Beneficence also involves a commitment to providing care that is based on the best available evidence and that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
In certain situations, the principles of patient autonomy and beneficence may come into conflict. For example, a patient may refuse treatment that healthcare professionals believe is necessary to prevent harm or promote their well-being. In such cases, healthcare professionals may face ethical dilemmas in balancing the patient’s right to autonomy with the obligation to act in the patient’s best interests.
One way to approach such situations is to engage in a process of shared decision-making. Shared decision-making involves a collaborative process between the patient and healthcare professional to identify the patient’s values, preferences, and goals and to determine the best course of treatment that aligns with these factors. This approach respects the patient’s right to autonomy while also ensuring that the care provided is based on the best available evidence and is in the patient’s best interests.
Another way to address conflicts between patient autonomy and beneficence is through the use of ethical frameworks. Ethical frameworks provide a structured approach to ethical decision-making and can be used to guide healthcare professionals in balancing these principles. One commonly used framework is the four principles approach, which involves consideration of the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence (the principle of doing no harm), and justice.
Healthcare professionals must navigate complex ethical issues when balancing the principles of patient autonomy and beneficence. Engaging in shared decision-making and using ethical frameworks can help healthcare professionals to approach these challenges in a thoughtful and deliberate manner that respects the rights and well-being of their patients. Ultimately, upholding these ethical principles is essential to providing high-quality and compassionate care to patients.
