#20: Five Medical Ethics Cases on Autonomy and Confidentiality

Autonomy is one of the four major medical ethical principles, and it’s important to understand how physicians must respect patient autonomy, as well as understand the situations in which other considerations override patient autonomy. What is the definition of capacity? How do you determine capacity? In cases of elder abuse, should you breach patient confidentiality? In cases of domestic abuse, should you breach patient confidentiality? How does the principle of autonomy apply to a minor patient?