The principle of respecting patient autonomy underpins the concept and practice of informed consent. Yet current approaches to consent often ignore the ways in which the exercise of autonomy is deeply epistemically dependent.In this paper, we draw on philosophical descriptions of autonomy 'scaffolding' and apply them to informed consent in medicine. We examine how this relates to other models of the doctor-patient relationship and other theories (eg, the notion of relational autonomy). A focus on scaffolding autonomy reframes the justification for existing ways of supporting decisions. In other cases, it suggests a need to rethink how, when and where professionals obtain consent. It may highlight the benefit of technology for supporting decisions.Finally, we consider the implications for some high-stakes decisions where autonomy is thought to be critical, for example, termination of pregnancy. We argue that such decisions should not be free from all sources of influence-rather they should be protected from undesired influence.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jme-2024-110105 | DOI Listing |
J Clin Med
January 2025
Department of Surgery IV, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania.
: Totally endoscopic techniques have become increasingly popular in cardiac surgery, with minimally invasive mitral valve repair emerging as an effective alternative to median sternotomy. This approach could be particularly advantageous for patients with Noonan syndrome, who often present with structural thoracic anomalies and other comorbidities like bleeding disorders. Endoscopic mitral valve surgery is rapidly establishing itself as the new standard of care for mitral valve operations, demonstrating both safety and efficacy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGenes (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73114, USA.
Background/objectives: Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) represent a diverse group of genetic disorders characterized by degeneration of the retina, leading to visual impairment and blindness. IRDs are heterogeneous, sharing common clinical features that can be difficult to diagnose without knowing the genetic basis of the disease. To improve diagnostic accuracy and advance understanding of disease mechanisms, genetic testing was performed for 103 unrelated patients with an IRD at a single clinical site between 30 August 2022 and 5 February 2024.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Environ Res Public Health
January 2025
Facultad de Educación Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ibarra 100150, Ecuador.
The objective of this study was to identify the factors that best predict variations in tension, irritability, and fatigue (TIF) among university professors in Ecuador. Using a quantitative approach with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, data were collected from a probabilistic sample of 364 participants. Psychometric measures were adapted and linguistically validated to assess TIF, and participants completed the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, alongside a sociodemographic questionnaire.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Environ Res Public Health
December 2024
European Institute of Perinatal Mental Health, Association El Parto es Nuestro (Birth is Ours), 11406 Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.
Obstetric violence during pregnancy and childbirth is unfortunately a major problem throughout the world. Neuroleptanalgesia is a classic form of analgesia which consists in administering analgesics and neuroleptics, such as haloperidol, simultaneously. Haloperidol is still occasionally used during childbirth and, in most cases, without informed consent in Spain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHealthcare (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
On 20 March 2024, the Italian Minister of Health, in collaboration with the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) and the National Health Council (Consiglio Superiore di Sanità), issued updated guidelines for assisted reproduction technologies (ART). They introduced two key changes: (1) permitting post-mortem embryo transfers, allowing a woman to proceed with the procedure after her male partner's death, and (2) permitting embryo transfer even if the male partner is alive but the relationship has ended. : This study explores the ethical and medico-legal challenges posed by the updated Italian ART Guidelines, with a specific focus on the complexities of informed consent and the ethical dilemmas introduced by these provisions.
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