Final answer:
The assertion that beneficence means patients have the right to choose treatment is false. Beneficence is about acting for the patient's benefit, while autonomy is about respecting patients' rights to make treatment decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that beneficence is an ethical principle meaning a patient has the right to choose their course of treatment is false. Beneficence is the ethical principle that states healthcare providers should act in ways that benefit the patient and contribute to their well-being. In contrast, the principle of autonomy is the one which states patients have the right to exercise agency and make their own decisions regarding their healthcare.
In clinical settings, the principle of beneficence requires that treatments and interventions are carried out with the intent of doing good for the patient, promoting their health and welfare. On the other hand, autonomy emphasizes respect for the patient's self-determination and right to make informed choices about their treatment options. It is key in clinical trials, where informed consent is a critical aspect of respecting participant autonomy, ensuring that participants are agreed to take part in the trial voluntarily, being fully informed about its nature, risks, and benefits.