Which major ethical principle in healthcare management emphasizes respecting patients' rights to make their own decisions?

The major ethical principle in healthcare management that emphasizes respecting patients' rights to make their own decisions is autonomy. This principle is grounded in the belief that individuals should have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies and medical treatments. Autonomy acknowledges the importance of patients' ability to understand their health conditions, weigh their options, and participate actively in their care.

Respecting autonomy means that healthcare providers must ensure that patients are informed about their choices, potential risks, and benefits, and that they have the opportunity to make decisions that align with their personal values and preferences. This fosters a relationship of trust and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.

The other principles, while important, focus on different aspects of ethical healthcare management. Justice pertains to fairness and equity in the distribution of healthcare resources, beneficence involves the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, and non-maleficence emphasizes the duty to avoid causing harm. Each of these principles plays a significant role in ethical decision-making, but it is autonomy that specifically highlights the importance of respecting patients' rights to make their own healthcare decisions.