Final answer:
The Canterbury vs Spence case highlighted the significance of informed consent in healthcare, marking a shift towards patient-centered care where patients must be adequately informed about treatment risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The take home message from the Canterbury vs Spence case emphasized the importance of informed consent in the medical field. The Washington Hospital Center was involved in this case, where it was ruled that healthcare providers must give patients sufficient information about the potential risks of a procedure or treatment to allow them to make an enlightened decision. This landmark decision highlighted the patient's right to receive information and participate actively in their healthcare decisions, reflecting a shift from a paternalistic approach to a more patient-centered care.