Which term refers to the moral obligation to promote independent choice in healthcare?

The term that refers to the moral obligation to promote independent choice in healthcare is autonomy. Autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that emphasizes the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own bodies and treatment options. It asserts that patients should have the freedom to choose their own paths in healthcare without coercion, provided they have the capacity to understand the information presented to them.

Promoting autonomy involves ensuring that patients are well-informed about their health conditions, the available treatment options, and the potential consequences of each choice. By supporting a patient's autonomy, healthcare providers respect their values, preferences, and right to self-determination, which is essential for fostering respect, trust, and an ethical practice environment.

Beneficence, on the other hand, focuses on the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient and to promote their well-being. Non-maleficence is the principle of "do no harm," emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could potentially hurt patients. Justice relates to fairness in healthcare distribution and ensuring equitable access to resources and treatment. While all these principles are important in the ethical practice of nursing and healthcare, it is autonomy that specifically pertains to advocating for and respecting a patient's right to make independent choices.