Patient-provider relationships in medicine have been changing constantly since medical treatment began and have been embodied by paternalism for decades.1 Historically medical paternalism was expected in practice; however, today the paternalistic model has shifted to a balanced, shared decision-making model between the health care professional and patient. Patient autonomy is encouraged to ensure patients are well informed about their conditions and possible treatment options; however, an imbalance between paternalism and patient autonomy can still exist in the current health care environment whereby the patient takes a passive role as opposed to an active role in their care. Medical paternalism happens when medical decisions are made for patients without explicit consent. Conversely, patient autonomy occurs when a patient who has decision-making capacity makes decisions regarding their care, even if the decision contradicts the clinician's guidance. Patients and physicians can have different perspectives on how to respond to a diagnosis or to treatment options. Medical paternalism is occasionally necessary, such as when routine blood tests are prescribed without patient input, but the approach to decision-making has evolved from a paternalistic model to one that prioritizes greater respect for the patient's autonomy.
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