What term describes the right of patients to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare?

The term that best describes the right of patients to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare is "Patient Autonomy." Patient autonomy refers to the principle that individuals have the right to control their own bodies and make decisions about their medical care, based on their values and preferences. This concept is fundamental in medical ethics, as it empowers patients to participate actively in their own healthcare decisions after being fully informed about their conditions, treatment options, and potential risks.

Informed consent, while closely related, specifically refers to the process of obtaining a patient's agreement to a medical procedure after they have been informed of the relevant details. Patient autonomy encompasses this idea but extends further to the overall right of individuals to choose their treatment paths rather than simply agreeing to specific interventions.

Medical privilege is not a relevant term in this context; it refers more to certain rights or benefits accorded to healthcare professionals, rather than patients. Healthcare empowerment may imply a similar notion of enabling patients to take control over their health, but it is less commonly used as a formal principle compared to patient autonomy.