Autonomy And Best Interests

Question 1

Is autonomy fixed?

Answer 1

No - it is a continuum

Question 2

Is capacity fixed?

Answer 2

No- it is decision-specific

Question 3

Name 3 conceptions of autonomy:

Answer 3

Bodily inviolability
Freedom from interference
Self determination
Principled autonomy
Relational Autonomy
Identity

Question 4

What are the three ethical principles underpinning the Duty of Care?

Answer 4

Respect for Autonomy
Act in a patient’s best interests
Protect the patient from harm

Question 5

What are the three conceptions of Best Interests?

Answer 5

Mental State
Desire Fulfilment
Objective List

Question 6

What does the Objective List conception of Best Interests state?

Answer 6

There are a set of criteria for achieving wellbeing

E.g. Independence, meaningful relationships, etc

Question 7

What does the Desire Fulfilment conception of Best Interests state?

Answer 7

A person’s best interests are consistent with their autonomous choices

Question 8

What does the Mental State conception of Best Interests state?

Answer 8

The person’s best interest is the thing that brings them the most happiness

Question 9

What situation carries a high risk of abuse?

Answer 9

Any situation when there is dependency

Question 10

Give examples of people vulnerable to abuse:

Answer 10

Frail people
Disabled people
Homeless people
Elderly people
People with learning difficulties

Question 11

What is the legal framework underpinning Restraint?

Answer 11

Short Term: Mental Capacity Act

Longer term: Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

Question 12

Which two ethical principles are brought into conflict with Restraint?

Answer 12

Respect for Autonomy and Non-Maleficence

Question 13

What must be considered when restraining someone?

Answer 13

The harm if they are not restrained
The harm of restraint
The minimum amount of restraint required
Proportional restraint for the treatment