What can result from a conflict between beneficence and autonomy?

A conflict between beneficence and autonomy occurs when a healthcare provider's obligation to act in the best interest of the patient (beneficence) clashes with the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care (autonomy). In such scenarios, healthcare providers may struggle to achieve optimal patient outcomes because the patient's personal choices may lead them to refuse recommended treatments or interventions that the provider believes to be beneficial.

When this conflict arises, it can create challenges in the therapeutic relationship, potentially leading to less adherence to treatment plans, misunderstandings, or feelings of disempowerment for the patient. Those outcomes can hinder the provider's ability to deliver effective care and achieve the best possible health results for the patient.

Consequently, the difficulties in reconciling these two ethical principles can often result in suboptimal patient outcomes, as patients may not follow through with beneficial treatment options that they perceive as infringing on their autonomy.