In interprofessional care, how should patient-centered goals influence ethical decisions?

• A. Prioritize hospital policy above patient wishes.
• B. Exclude patient preferences from decisions.
• C. Delegate all decisions to the physician.
• D. Align decisions with patient-centered goals.

Answer: (D)

Respecting patient autonomy while balancing benefits and harms guides ethical decisions in interprofessional care. When decisions align with patient-centered goals, the team ensures actions reflect the patient’s values, desired outcomes, and acceptable burdens, so care plans match what matters most to the patient. This approach supports shared decision-making, clarifies goals of care, and helps determine appropriate treatments, plans for transitions, and whether to pursue more aggressive therapy or shift toward comfort-focused options. The interprofessional team contributes its expertise, but the direction remains consistent with the patient’s preferences and stated goals. Relying on hospital policy to override patient wishes, excluding patient preferences, or handing all decisions to one clinician can undermine autonomy and collaborative care. Thus, aligning decisions with patient-centered goals is the most ethical and person-centered path.