Claudia Oakes, assistant professor and director of the health science program in ENHP, published an article entitled, “In their best interest: The challenge of balancing autonomy with beneficence in clinical practice with older adults” in the Gerontology Special Interest Section Quarterly, 34(3), 1-4.
The article describes the ethical constructs of autonomy, which refers to a person’s self-determination and beneficence, which involves acting in a person’s best interest. Clinicians must be aware that well-intentioned acts of beneficence may impede the autonomy of older adults. Intervening in older adults’ daily decision-making may deprive them of the opportunity to make choices that support their sense of self. Recommendations for clinical practice are included.
Claudia Oakes
Assistant Professor
Department of Health Science
University of Hartford
Dana Hall, Rm 429E
860.768.5746
oakes@hartford.edu
