Patient autonomy: The right of patients to make decisions about their medical care without their health care provider trying to influence the decision.

What is autonomy in patient care?

Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent

Expressing respect for patients' autonomy means acknowledging that patients who have decision-making capacity have the right to make decisions regarding their care, even when their decisions contradict their clinicians' recommendations [1].

Why is patient autonomy important?

Exercising patient autonomy empowers patients to feel more in control and confident in their ability to make educated health decisions and choose the right doctors. Autonomy leads to positive health outcomes, as we will witness in the stories of three patients.