What does "informed consent" specifically aim to protect?

Informed consent specifically aims to protect patients' rights to make informed decisions about their care. This concept is founded on the ethical principle of autonomy, which values an individual's right to have control over their own health care. By ensuring that patients are provided with clear and comprehensive information regarding their diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives, they are empowered to participate actively in decisions regarding their health.

This process fosters an environment of trust and respect between healthcare providers and patients, making it integral to the patient-provider relationship. Informed consent also emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding, which are crucial in supporting a patient's right to make choices that reflect their values and preferences. The recognition of informed consent as a patient's right highlights the shift from a paternalistic approach in medicine to one that prioritizes patient involvement and decision-making in their healthcare journey.