LNAT Practice Test Essay – In cases of conflicting patient and doctor opinions, whose perspective should take precedence?

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

In cases of conflicting patient and doctor opinions, whose perspective should take precedence?

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

The relationship between patients and doctors is a complex and dynamic one, often characterized by a delicate balance between patient autonomy and medical expertise. In cases where patient and doctor opinions conflict, determining whose perspective should take precedence can be a challenging and ethically charged question. This essay will explore the principles of patient autonomy, medical expertise, and shared decision-making in healthcare, and discuss potential approaches to resolving conflicts between patients and doctors.

Patient Autonomy

Patient autonomy, or the right of patients to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, is a fundamental principle in modern medical ethics. Respecting patient autonomy means acknowledging that patients have the right to be involved in decisions about their healthcare and to make choices based on their own values, preferences, and beliefs.

Patients may have unique insights into their own health, including their experiences of symptoms, side effects, and the impact of treatments on their daily lives. Furthermore, patients may have personal or cultural beliefs that influence their preferences for certain treatments or interventions.

Medical Expertise

Conversely, doctors possess extensive medical knowledge, clinical experience, and expertise in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Doctors are trained to evaluate the risks and benefits of various treatments, taking into account the scientific evidence, patient characteristics, and the specific context of each case.

While patients may have personal preferences and beliefs that inform their healthcare decisions, doctors have a responsibility to provide evidence-based recommendations and to advocate for the most appropriate course of action based on their professional judgment.

Shared Decision-Making

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the concept of shared decision-making in healthcare. Shared decision-making is an approach that encourages active collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in making healthcare decisions. This approach recognizes that both patients and doctors bring unique perspectives, knowledge, and values to the decision-making process and that the most appropriate course of action may be reached through open dialogue, mutual respect, and the consideration of both parties’ views.

Resolving Conflicts Between Patients and Doctors

In cases of conflicting patient and doctor opinions, the principles of patient autonomy, medical expertise, and shared decision-making can provide guidance on how to navigate these complex situations. One potential approach to resolving conflicts is to engage in open and honest communication, in which both parties express their concerns, preferences, and rationale for their positions.

Doctors should provide patients with comprehensive and accurate information about the potential risks and benefits of various treatment options, while patients should be encouraged to express their values, beliefs, and preferences that may influence their decision-making. By fostering a collaborative and respectful dialogue, patients and doctors may be able to reach a mutual understanding and identify a course of action that best aligns with the patient’s values and the doctor’s professional judgment.

In some cases, involving additional healthcare providers, such as specialists, nurses, or social workers, may be helpful in providing additional perspectives and facilitating communication between patients and doctors. In situations where conflicts cannot be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, patients may consider seeking a second opinion or exploring alternative healthcare providers who better align with their values and preferences.

Conclusion

Balancing patient autonomy and medical expertise is a critical aspect of the patient-doctor relationship, particularly in cases where patient and doctor opinions conflict. By embracing the principles of shared decision-making and fostering open communication and mutual respect, patients and doctors can navigate these challenging situations and work together to identify the most appropriate course of action for each individual patient.

Ultimately, the goal of healthcare should be to promote the well-being of patients by providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that respects both the autonomy of patients and the expertise of healthcare providers.