Which ethical principle is most closely associated with ensuring a patient has access to information to make informed choices about CAM/IM?

Which ethical principle is most closely associated with ensuring a patient has access to information to make informed choices about CAM/IM?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Respecting patient autonomy through informed decision-making. When patients have access to clear, balanced information about CAM/IM—what it involves, potential benefits and risks, interactions with conventional treatment, costs, and available alternatives—they can decide what aligns with their values and preferences. Providing this information supports voluntary, informed choice and shared decision making, rather than decisions being driven by providers or systems alone. Beneficence and nonmaleficence aim to do good and avoid harm, and they underpin the obligation to share information, but the explicit link to the patient’s self-determination is autonomy. Justice speaks to fair access to information and care, ensuring no one is disadvantaged in obtaining information, but the key idea here is enabling the patient to decide for themselves.

Respecting patient autonomy through informed decision-making. When patients have access to clear, balanced information about CAM/IM—what it involves, potential benefits and risks, interactions with conventional treatment, costs, and available alternatives—they can decide what aligns with their values and preferences. Providing this information supports voluntary, informed choice and shared decision making, rather than decisions being driven by providers or systems alone. Beneficence and nonmaleficence aim to do good and avoid harm, and they underpin the obligation to share information, but the explicit link to the patient’s self-determination is autonomy. Justice speaks to fair access to information and care, ensuring no one is disadvantaged in obtaining information, but the key idea here is enabling the patient to decide for themselves.