The Role of Personal Autonomy and of the Media in Ethical and Medical Malpractice Issues

Abstract

A thorough approach of all ethical aspects of medical practice is virtually impossible. This is why, the present article begins with a short introduction on a reference system which is the basis of determining the universally valid ethical principle in medical practice; it continues by pointing out issues pertaining to the role of personal autonomy and of the media in the relation between a doctor and a patient. We observe that personal autonomy from the medic’s perspective entails his obligation to fully and correctly inform the patient, whereas personal autonomy from the perspective of the patient, who plays a significantly more active role lately, can negatively influence the relation between the medic and the patient and, consequently, the ethics of this relation. Researching the role of media in informing citizens emphasizes the violation of ethical principles by misinformation and incorrect interpretation of malpractice cases, which can lead to a less desired phenomenon, that of street justice.