Autonomy is the individual’s right to make healthcare decisions even if a provider disagrees. When a practitioner does not honor the patient’s right to make a choice regarding pain treatment, this right is violated. It is important to understand, however, that pain may impact a person’s autonomy or a practitioner may make an assumption that the person is incompetent.
Beneficence is the act a provider takes that benefits the patient. This means that pain relief will be provided as quickly as possible and to the highest degree possible in order for an act to be considered “good” care. Healthcare providers must make the management of pain a priority, and to not do so is neglecting the principle of beneficence.
Nonmaleficence