How to manage patients who refuse medical treatment? Case report and review of legislative acts on patient autonomy in Poland

Abstract

Every patient, both in public and private healthcare institutions, has the right to maintain their own autonomy. This is one of the basic patient rights as well as one of the basic human rights, meaning that the patient cannot undergo treatment which is against his or her will. The patient has the full right to make independent decisions concerning his or her own life and health. Violation of the patient’s rights of autonomy by a doctor or another member of medical personnel may result in sanctions as described in article 448 of the Civil Code. The following publication describes the case of a female patient who refused consent to surgical intervention, and died shortly thereafter. The legal aspects concerning patient autonomy in Poland are also reviewed.
Acta Angiol 2011; 17, 1: 109–116