Which term refers to the right of a patient to decide outcomes for themselves?

• A. Self-determination
• B. Consent
• C. Assent
• D. Paternalism

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is patient autonomy—the right of a person to make decisions about their own medical care. Self-determination is the term that most precisely names that right to decide outcomes for oneself, including choosing which treatments to accept or refuse based on personal values and preferences. This respects the individual's agency and is foundational to ethical medical practice.

In practical terms, autonomy is supported by informed consent, which ensures decisions are made with adequate information, understanding, and voluntary agreement. Assent, meanwhile, refers to a willingness to participate voiced by someone who cannot provide full consent (such as a child or someone with limited capacity). Paternalism, on the other hand, describes when a clinician makes decisions for a patient against the patient’s preferences, which undermines self-determination.