Question

How has patient autonomy influenced the healthcare system?

Answer 1

Patient's autonomy has influenced the healthcare system in the following ways

1. The patient is no longer a mere recipient of healthcare, but an active partner in the decision making
2. It has allowed the patient to exercise his choice.
3. The patient can opt for medical treatment strategies that agree with his social and religious beliefs
4. He/she can also now opt for withholding treatment.
5. Many aspects of medicine are not easy for a layman to understand
6. As a result, people other than the doctor influence the patient's decision making
7. Friends and the internet play an important role
8. This has lead to a consumer-driven healthcare system
9. This is a departure from the traditional evidence-based medical system.
10. Many a time patients insist on a particular form of treatment option.
11. This option may not be the best for the patient.
12. When denied, the patient embarks upon doctor shopping. He/she continues to do so until he finds a doctor who is willing to do as the patient likes.
13. As a result, there is a huge market for such treatments.
14. Companies invest in such treatment options without giving a thought to the adverse reactions that might occur.
15. Doctors are now graded by their patients. Various websites also patients to grade their doctor ( star system).
16. This evaluation of the doctor is purely based on the patient's experience. A doctor's experience and clinical skills play no role in the evaluation of the doctor's
17. The patient has the right to deny treatment. This can be deleterious to the health of the community. For example, the patient's decision not to get vaccinated against a particular communicable disease, this will lower the herd immunity and give rise to epidemics
18. Patients can decide regarding matters pertaining to his/her personal information.
19. He has all the right to prevent the healthcare system from divulging his personal information.