When making health care decisions on behalf of a patient, the agent must focus on what aspect?

The focus of the agent when making health care decisions on behalf of a patient should be on the agent's knowledge of the patient's wishes. This responsibility emphasizes the importance of honoring the patient's autonomy and previously expressed values or preferences regarding their health care. An agent, often designated through a power of attorney for health care, is tasked with making informed choices that align with what the patient would want in terms of treatment options, interventions, and quality of life considerations.

Understanding a patient's wishes is essential because it respects the individual's rights and personal beliefs, ensuring that decisions are made in their best interest, even if they are unable to communicate those wishes directly. This principle is foundational in health care ethics and law, reinforcing that patients remain at the center of care. Informed consent and shared decision-making models rely heavily on accurately reflecting a patient's desires, thereby fostering trust and understanding within the patient-care provider relationship.