The core concept of patient autonomy is that a patient has the right to make their own medical decisions. This is closely related to three human values: Respecting patient autonomy in healthcare; safeguarding patients' rights to a good death; and promoting a harmonious physician-patient relationship. Patient autonomy has been implemented in many countries in the West for a long time, and it is seen as a universal human right. After passing the Patient Right to Autonomy Act near the end of 2015, Taiwan became the leader in Asia in implementing patient autonomy. The core concept of the Act is to ensure legal protection for the patient's right to autonomous wishes and to a dignified end. Through signing an Advance Decision, everyone will be able to make medical decisions for themselves before they become terminally ill, and thus spare themselves and their loved ones from pain.
Interpretation of the “Patient Right to Autonomy Act Full Document of Patient Right to Autonomy Act Summary of Patient Right to Autonomy Act in PPT
Honorary Consultant to the Legislative Yuan Yang Yu-Hsin realizes the importance of serving the "last leg of life's journey", and of keeping life education and good end of life care as core concepts. For these reasons, she fought for a long-term organization specifically responsible for fighting for these benefits on behalf of the people. Therefore, in 2017, the Patient Autonomy Research Center was established. Our goals are to become a bridge between the medical field and the general public, by engaging the public with a series of creative activities that get people to think about patient autonomy and then take action.
Our long-term vision is to continue promoting life education and the concept of having a dignified end, now that the Patient Right to Autonomy Act has formally come into effect. These new ways of thinking about the end of life will make Taiwan a good example for other Asian societies to follow.
Our work focuses on policy research, educational training, implementation in medical facilities, and public promotion. Through planning, coordinating, communicating, and promoting with various parties, we hope to integrate and maximize the efforts of agencies from both the governmental sector and the private sector to promote the Patient Right to Autonomy Act. By doing so, the public will be encouraged to think about the value of both a dignified end and of life.
Patient Autonomy Research Center
Email：service@parc.tw
Address: P.O.BOX 30-98 NewTaipei City Government, New Taipei City 22099, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
病人自主研究中心
病人自主研究中心
