Background
Respect for Autonomy is a central pillar of medical ethics. Yet, while we often talk about its importance, it often gets forgotten during busy schedules, especially when complicated by questions regarding capacity. Respect for autonomy must be balanced alongside beneficence and nonmaleficence in individual patient-care decisions, as well as being balanced against justice in care for the whole community. However, we risk dehumanising our patients by not considering their wills and preferences simply because their capacity may be in question.
Session aim: Refocus the debate to maximise the person’s potential for capacity, in day-to-day primary care practice. We will do this through a review of the ethical framework, case discussion and creating realistic action lists.

Target Group
GPs, other healthcare professionals involved in primary care, patients

Didactic Method
Review of theoretical framework and different policies governing decision making in countries across Europe

Practical workshop - Case based discussions involving persons with reduced capacity with creation of an action list for supporting such persons in practice

Estimated number of participants - 25-35

1. Review the ethical framework
2. Understand the challenges associated with ensuring respect for autonomy while providing care to persons with reduced capacity.
2. Construct a brief, realistic action list for dealing with complex decision-making cases with persons with reduced capacity that can be used as a template in primary care consultations