n. the opinion of a clinician in the context of medical care. In spite of technical advances, few decisions in medicine are automatic. This is particularly true where there are critical differences of data interpretation, potential conflicts between individuals or family members, or moral and procedural dilemmas.
a decision made by someone on behalf of a patient lacking capacity that is judged to reflect what the patient would have wanted had he or she had the mental capacity to decide for him- or herself. This judgment is best made by someone close to the patient who has a good knowledge of the patient’s beliefs, opinions, and character, provided that there are no potentially conflicting and partial interests at play. See also power of attorney; proxy decision.... substituted judgment
a judgment of the worth, desirability, acceptability, or merit of something, as distinct from a claim about fact or neutral description.... value judgment
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