Vulnerabilidade e autonomia

: a decisão bioética em oncologia

Abstract

The results presented in this thesis are the outcome of a study developed in theBioethics PhD, at the Bioethics Institute of the Catholic University, Porto. This work aims to be a contribute to the reflexion and construction of a clear andorganized understanding of vulnerability in oncology, to a recognizement of that vulnerability inthe theoretical approach and exercise of the principles of autonomy and vulnerability of the person with oncologic illness, to increase the value of the bioethics decision-making in theclinical context, in oncology, to promote it as a methodology, and also to contribute with a set ofmeasures to promote and develop the bioethical decision making, in oncology. We have organized this thesis in three distinct parts, each one presenting chapters thatoffer the illustration of the relationship between the main study focus and the themes by itembraced.Initially, it is done a philosophical and conceptual approach of vulnerability - the maintheme. We precede with a description about health, illness and vulnerability in the illnessprocess, unveiling the path that leads us to describe vulnerability in oncologic illness – the analysis of vulnerability dimensions in oncology. The connection between cancer, oncology andbioethics allows us, not only to identify the vulnerability elements of the person with oncologic illness, but also to understand the mandatory presence of bioethics as an essential element incaring, in this particular area.In the third part, we analyse the connection between vulnerability and autonomy, in oncology, identifying the influence of vulnerability elements in the autonomy of the ill person, which led us to the need of bioethics management of autonomy. One can only face the oncologic illness and receive adequate healthcare, if it is done holistically, and this demands alot from the ill person, but also from the healthcare professionals. The challenge to any healthcare professional in this area is to combine the multiple vulnerability elements of the oncologic illness in an answer that prescribes ethics, responsibility, professionalism and excellence in caring. Therefore, taking that as a premise, and after our approach to vulnerability and autonomy, we bring our proposal of tool to support the (Bio)ethical decision making in oncology care. Finally, our thesis also presents a training program proposal in bioethics decision making, in oncology.

Date of Award	6 Sept 2018
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Michel Renaud (Supervisor) & Ana Sofia Carvalho (Co-Supervisor)