McCarthy, Jill2008-11-112008-11-112008-03-17In E. Mason-Whitehead, A. McIntosh, A. Bryan & T. Mason (Eds.), Key concepts in nursing (pp. 23-29). London: SAGE, 2008.9781412946155http://hdl.handle.net/10034/40674This book chapter is not available through ChesterRep.This chapter examines the concept of autonomy within the health care profession, which involves consideration of the moral and legal implications. The chapter also discusses the practicalities of autonomy when it is not always possible for the patient to exercise their autonomy because of an inability to communicate or act independently.enautonomyhealth careBook chapter