의학적 의사결정에서 환자의 결정과 가족의 결정*

Medical decision-making is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural norms, regional practices, patient values, physician responsibilities, and patient autonomy. Whether or not a patient’s family members should also influence the medical decision-making process is a legitimate question. This article defends the view that it is appropriate to involve families in the medical decision-making process at least in those cultures in which the family is the dominant social unit; in such cultures, it is necessary to recognize the rights of a patient’s family in making medical decisions.