Name an ethical principle that guides healthcare decision-making.

Autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle that guides healthcare decision-making. It emphasizes the right of patients to make informed choices about their own healthcare. This principle respects individuals' rights to self-determination, meaning that patients should have the authority to make decisions regarding their treatment plans, including what procedures they will or will not undergo.

In practice, honoring a patient's autonomy involves providing them with all relevant information regarding their medical condition and treatment options, ensuring they understand the potential risks and benefits, and allowing them to express their values and preferences. This principle is crucial in fostering a trusting relationship between healthcare providers and patients, as it encourages open communication and shared decision-making.

While the other options like profitability, efficiency, and accessibility are also important considerations in healthcare, they do not inherently carry the same ethical weight as autonomy. Profitability focuses on financial aspects, efficiency relates to resource management, and accessibility pertains to the availability of healthcare services. None of these inherently ensure respect for patients' rights and choices, which is at the heart of ethical healthcare practices.