What term refers to a patient's right to make decisions about their health care?

The term that describes a patient's right to make decisions about their health care is patient autonomy. This concept emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' rights to govern themselves and make choices regarding their treatment and care options. Patient autonomy is fundamental to ethical medical practice and underpins the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that patients have the authority to accept or refuse medical interventions based on their personal values and preferences.

By promoting patient autonomy, healthcare systems acknowledge that patients are best positioned to understand their own health goals and circumstances, thus allowing them to actively participate in the decision-making process regarding their treatment. This approach not only enhances the quality of care but also respects the inherent dignity of the patient as a decision-maker in their own life.

Other options, while related to patient involvement and rights, do not specifically encapsulate the idea of self-determination in healthcare decisions as clearly as patient autonomy does. Patient advocacy pertains more to support provided by others on behalf of the patient, patient engagement involves the level of participation a patient has in their health care, and informed consent refers to the process by which patients are educated about their treatment options and the associated risks, but does not directly address the right to make decisions about care.