In the context of medical ethics, what is paternalism?

Paternalism in medical ethics refers to the practice of making decisions for patients, based on the belief that those decisions serve the patient's best interest, often without obtaining their consent. This approach assumes that the healthcare provider knows what is best for the patient and may override the patient's autonomy or preferences in the process. It can manifest in situations where a physician might decide on a particular course of treatment, believing it to be the most beneficial for the patient, while not fully considering or discussing the patient's own wishes or values.

This concept raises significant ethical considerations, particularly around the balance between beneficence—acting in the patient's best interest—and respect for patient autonomy, which emphasizes the rights of patients to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Although paternalism may stem from good intentions, it can undermine trust in the provider-patient relationship if patients feel they are not being heard or that their choices are not respected. Understanding this dynamic is crucial in contemporary healthcare, where patient autonomy is increasingly prioritized alongside the professional duty to provide beneficial care.