Ethical reasoning in medical decisions: the physician-patient dilemma

Abstract

Ethics is essential to ensure responsible medical practice, committed to the well-being of patients and society. Hence, understanding patient autonomy and their active participation in decisions about treatments and medical procedures is paramount. A systematic literature review was conducted on articles published between December 2008 and May 2023 to assist in the ethical debate and professional conduct about what should be considered in a conflict between the medical decision and the patient’s wishes, and thus provide perspectives on how to manage this issue. The 18 articles selected address ethical issues related to physician-patient relations, highlighting the importance of advance directives, honest communication and respect for patient autonomy. We aim to provide perspectives and guidelines for managing ethical conflicts in medical practice.