How should you address a patient who refuses a recommended treatment while respecting autonomy?

• A. Acknowledge concerns; explore reasons; provide information; check capacity; offer alternatives; document discussion; respect patient’s decision
• B. Force the patient to undergo treatment
• C. Dismiss patient and end visit
• D. Change the diagnosis to fit treatment acceptance

Answer: (B)

Respecting patient autonomy and ensuring informed consent guides how you respond when someone declines a recommended treatment. The best approach is to acknowledge the patient’s concerns and listen carefully to their reasons, then provide clear information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives. It’s important to verify that the patient has decision-making capacity—understanding the information, appreciating the consequences, and being able to reason about options—before proceeding. If capacity is present, you discuss alternatives or less invasive options, document the conversation and the patient’s decision, and continue to support the patient in their choice. Coercion, dismissing the patient, or altering the diagnosis to fit a desired treatment undermines trust and violates ethical practice.