Terminology

Autonomy
Patients have the right to choose actions consistent with their values, goals, and life plan, even if their choices are not in agreement with the wishes of family members or the recommendation of the physician. Choices should be free from interference and control by others.
Beneficence
Beneficence refers to acting in the best interests of the patients. This concept often is confused with nonmaleficence, or "do no harm." Doing what is best for the patient often involves serious risks.
Confidentiality
Respecting a patient's privacy and maintaining confidentiality allows people to seek treatment and discuss their problems frankly.
Futility
The term futility may be used in several situations, including the following: The intervention has no pathophysiologic rationale. Maximal treatment is failing. The intervention has already failed. The intervention will not achieve the goals of care.
Informed consent
Informed consent is the process by which a patient receives all pertinent information necessary to make a rational autonomous choice. Disclosure standards, comprehension, voluntary action (free of control of others), competence, and consent are the 5 elements of informed consent.
Justice
Justice refers to fairness in the allocation of healthcare resources.
Veracity
Veracity is truth telling and honesty; recognize that it is not uncommon for healthcare providers to misrepresent a situation without technically lying.