Nursing Ethics
From autonomy to well-being: Reimagining ethics consultation in dementia
Respect for patient autonomy is a cornerstone of modern bioethics, yet the gap between ethical ideals and clinical practice remains pronounced. To bridge this divide, Björk and Hirsch have proposed the introduction of a new professional role: autonomy consultants. This essay critically examines the applicability of such a role within dementia care, a context characterized by progressive cognitive decline and irreversible alterations of personal identity. Using a philosophical and theoretical analysis, illustrated t …