What should residents be able to do regarding their own medical treatment?

Residents should be empowered to direct and make decisions concerning their treatment because it aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent. This approach recognizes that individuals have the right to be active participants in their own healthcare. It supports the idea that residents can understand the options available to them and choose treatments that best suit their personal values, preferences, and medical needs.

This level of involvement fosters a sense of ownership over one's health and can lead to improved satisfaction and outcomes. By being involved in decision-making, residents are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans and express their preferences about care, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.

While influencing physician decisions and following prescribed treatments are part of the healthcare process, they do not encompass the comprehensive empowerment that direct decision-making provides. Similarly, deciding the duration of stay falls under policy and regulatory considerations rather than being solely about individual treatment choices.