PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Personal Autonomy”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

On children and proxy consent.

The meaning of valid proxy consent for children has recently been the subject of an important debate between Richard McCormick and Paul Ramsey on the ethics of experimenting with children. Ramsey is willing to agree with McCormick that parental consent for a child to undergo some medical procedure is valid only if parents consider what the child would consent to if he could. But beyond this, Ramsey has a fundamentally different conception of the child from McCormick, and therefore gives a very different interpretation to this standard for valid proxy consent. In Ramsey's view, McCormick's basic mistake is to think of the child as a small adult, thereby overlooking the child's peculiar vulnerabilities and needs. In particular, McCormick fails to attend to the child's needs for "preservation in life and healthful growth". In this paper, the author pursues Ramsey's suggestion that a correct analysis of valid proxy consent for children would replace the "language of consent" with the "language of need". He does this by sketching a theory of parenthood that rests on two central notions: that of primary goods, as found in the writing of John Rawls, and that of autonomy.

Child↗
PubMed1977

Ethical concerns in community mental health.

With growing emphasis for ethical behavior of professionals in contemporary American society, those mental health specialists involved in the community must focus on their own behavior. This becomes a difficult task, since it is apparent that current ethical guidelines for community psychologists are not comprehensive enough to be adequately helpful. Nine areas of conflicting values and ethical concerns are considered in an effort to begin formulation of a blueprint for community mental health workers. These areas include community participation, continuity of services, politics, planning, autonomy versus manipulation, overism, minority groups, training, and consultation. Ethical principles generic to each area are put forth as proposed guidelines for professional activities and as propagators of discussion and debate.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2026

Smartphone apps for obesity management: A systematic review using self-determination theory.

BACKGROUND: While bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy are effective treatments for obesity, ongoing supportive care remains a challenge. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist with symptom management, but their effectiveness and practical use in obesity treatment is unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of these apps in supporting individuals following obesity treatment. To better understand how these apps may promote sustained engagement and behaviour change, their design was analysed using Self-Determination Theory (SDT). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL databases. Eligible studies included randomised and non-randomised interventions involving adults (≥18 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who had undergone bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy. Interventions had to include an app designed to support post-treatment symptom management. Findings were synthesised narratively, and app features were mapped to SDT constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. RESULTS: Five studies (three RCTs, two cohort studies) involving 1,133 participants were included (female: 78 %; median age: 47.63 years). Most apps targeted post-bariatric surgery care; only one focused on pharmacotherapy. Common features included tracking, reminders, and education, supporting autonomy and competence. Relatedness features such as communication and peer support were least represented. Two studies reported improvements in weight-related outcomes and one in medication adherence. Effects on quality of life, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilisation were not significant. Patient satisfaction was reported in one study, with 95 % expressing positive feedback, though formal assessments of feasibility and acceptability were limited. CONCLUSION: Smartphone apps show potential to support obesity management, particularly after bariatric surgery. While some evidence suggests benefits for weight loss and adherence outcomes, the limited studies and variability of reporting prevent conclusive observations in other outcomes. Future app development should integrate behavioural theory to address psychological needs, nutritional risks and promote holistic self-management beyond weight control.

Female↗
PubMed1979

Refusal of treatment: suicide or competent choice.

Increasingly, patients are exercising the right to refuse treatment. Patients who have been chronically ill or those who consider themselves terminally ill are most apt to do so. Accordingly, liaison psychiatrists are asked to determine whether refusal of treatment is an act of suicide or a competent choice. This is difficult to assess in the absence of delirium or overt psychosis. It is suggested that the dynamics and affective tones of the patients' reaction to the health care system as well as to family and friends are of major significance in this determination. The actual process of exploring these areas with patients making this choice is often therapeutic in restoring the patients' sense of control or authenticity. Often this process enables them to continue treatment and avoid the impulsive interpersonal anger that characterized the suicidal act.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Informed consent.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Disclosure↗