Re-evaluating Patient Care And Physician’s Autonomy

The importance of patient autonomy and the basic principles of ethics are the basis of medicine, which could easily be ignored. The increased growth and changes in healthcare today are undeniably significant compared to years prior. Although medicine is the same worldwide, the marked difference between the health service systems in developing and developed countries is undoubtedly substantial. The difference in healthcare depends on the degree of patient autonomy, the physician’s autonomy, the mode of delivery of healthcare services and the extent of patient care.

The rapidly changing healthcare has increased the demand to invest more in healthcare, improving individual health and life expectancy. Thus, requiring more healthcare costs, more advanced technologies, more research work, and more skilled healthcare providers will inevitably increase the fees that either patients or insurance companies will be required to disburse to healthcare providers. With all these, it is impossible for patient care not to be affected. 

The degree of patient autonomy, physician autonomy, and health service delivery directly impact patient care. Analyzing health service delivery, patient autonomy, and physician autonomy in most developing countries, it is evident that a physician’s autonomy supersedes patients’ autonomy. How patients are managed in developing countries is also attributed to less advanced medical technologies and facilities that efficiently deliver health services.

In most developed countries, patient autonomy often supersedes that of the physicians. However, it’s important to note that respecting patient autonomy and adhering to the ethical principles of medical practice should not limit physician’s autonomy. Unfortunately, the burden of malpractice suits and pressure from insurance organizations has led to the practice of defensive medicine. Healthcare providers are constantly worried about avoiding malpractice suits and protecting their financial interests, which inevitably has a detrimental effect on patient care, particularly in developing countries where patient autonomy is often lacking.

It is crucial that healthcare providers, whether in developing or developed countries, take active steps to enhance patient education and awareness, thereby promoting patient autonomy. While some patients may be non-compliant or challenging, it’s essential for healthcare providers to remember that these patients rely on them for access to quality healthcare. Despite the importance of protecting one’s professional interests, patient care should always remain the primary focus for all healthcare providers.