Ethical Considerations in Respecting Patient's Autonomy and Right to Refuse Treatment: A Case Report



Sharifi MN¹ ; Salari P¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Published:2020

Abstract

One of the most challenging aspects of treatment is when patient seriously refuses the desired by treating physician. On the other hand, refusing treatment is a condition of the patient's right to be aware, but does such a right also imposes a moral obligation on the treating physician or not? This study discusses the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosis disease. This article attempts to provide an overview of the ethical considerations for obtaining informed consent for a patient who refuses treatment. In this report, according to the patient's age, it can be concluded that although the patient has the capacity to make decisions, but because her age is below the legal age and does not have the authority to decide, her refusal to receive treatment cannot be accepted and it is necessary to make a decision based on the supreme interests of the patient with the opinion of a qualified legal guardian in this regard, taking into account the scientific aspects. © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.