Agent's right for patients without capability of independent choice in clinical practice
10.3760/cma.j.issn.1000-6672.2010.02.018
- VernacularTitle:对临床实践中无自主能力患者代理权问题的讨论
- Author:
Xuan YANG
;
Yanli TAN
;
Luhong ZHANG
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Agent right for patients;
Patient's interest;
Ethic principle
- From:
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration
2010;26(2):137-140
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
It is found in clinical practice that decisions made by agents on hehalf of the patients without capability of independent choice may sometimes conflict interests of the patient in question. The author summarized by categories common dilemmas faced by clinicians, and came up with the ethical principles to resolve the problems, as proven in case studies. Doctors should fully respect reasonable decisions of agents of such patients. Furthermore, to make a reasonable decision on their behalf, the agent is expected to make medical decisions in the interests of the life and health of the patient, with adequate knowledge of the disease, therapeutic measures and outcomes, and without any damage to interests of the patient they represent. Such a reasonable decision should neither violate laws of the state, nor infringe on interests of other individuals, collectives and the society at large for benefits of the patient in question. In addition, it should conform to the medical ethics of fair distribution of health resources.
