News Break, My Way, Let’s Talk, You Don’t Say

Let’s face it, no one likes being told what to do. If you have ever heard the song My Way, first recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1969, you may remember the lyrics:

I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more
I did it, I did it my way

The song captures the essence of personal autonomy – the ability to act on your own values, interests, and simply live life as you wish!

Decades ago, personal autonomy was pretty much absent in healthcare. The doctor-patient relationship was one directional – the physician determined treatment and the patient complied, no questions asked. Over time, the paradigm shifted as legal cases established standards for informed medical consent and the right of patients or designated representatives to make decisions about their care even if contrary to the treating doctor’s recommendations. Today, personal autonomy is widely accepted as a fundamental principle in healthcare, with the notable exception of a woman’s right to control her reproductive health.

The internet and social media have greatly enhanced patient’s ability to be actively engaged in their healthcare and treatment decisions. A recent report estimates that around 90% of Americans look for health-related information on the web. Not all doctors are fans of patients who come armed to appointments with information from “Dr. Google” as it may be inaccurate and/or not relevant. But a thoughtful discussion of the information can build a stronger patient–physician relationship – and allow patients to receive healthcare services their way!

Be sure to check out My Way for more on patient autonomy.

Happy Reading!

Suzanne Daniels