AUTONOMY IN ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

The principle of autonomy is one of the pillars of the four principles approach to medical ethics. Autonomous patients should be respected and have the right and the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. This individualistic view of autonomy is particularly prevalent in Western cultures and clinical practice; a relational type of autonomy prevails in cultures which are communitarian in their approach. Autonomy and shared decision making are important concepts in managing asthma.