...Contents: Topic Page Number Glossary Of Terms 1 Introduction 2 Aspect Of Care 3 The DNACPR Policy 4 Ethics 7 Patients Consent 9 Withholding Information 14 Informed Choice 17 Forcing Information Upon Patients 20 The Nurses Role 22 Conclusion 25 References 26 Appendix 27 Glossary of terms CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. DNACPR: Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. NMC: Nursing & Midwifery Council. GMC: General Medical Council. BMA: British Medical Association. GP: General Practitioner Introduction The Aim of this module is to encourage me to enhance my personal and professional skills, to increase the efficacy of patient care and interaction. Also to make me more aware of the legal, professional and ethical implications of practice. The module allowed me to further develop my knowledge of these topics: Ethics & Accountability, Legal Aspects of Practice, finally Accountability & Professional Practice. I was then asked to submit an essay of 4500 words based on the following: “Critically analyse an aspect of care from your practice setting that encompasses the ethical, professional & legal role of the nurse. Issues of accountability should be incorporated into this essay”. Aspect of care The aspect of care I have chosen to include in my essay is the “Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR)” Adult Policy...
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...Knowledge Area Module VI Contemporary Issues and the Ethical Delivery of Health Services Student: Harold Taitt, harold.taitt@waldenu.edu Student ID # A00293212 Program: Ph.D. Health Services Specialization: Health Management and Policy Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Hoye, robert.hoye@waldenu.edu Faculty Assessor: Dr. Jim Goes, jim.goes@waldenu.edu Walden University May 10, 2013 Abstract Breadth Component In this age of rapidly evolving technological advances, many of the legal and ethical issues that are challenging the delivery of health care and the health care profession are new. As we confront the legal, moral, and ethical aspects of health care, we are seldom faced with decisions that require or are resolved by simple right or wrong answers (Edge & Kreiger, 1998). In the Breadth component of KAM VI, I focus on several ethical theories and how those theories influence the way ethical issues and concerns are addressed and managed in the allocation and delivery of health care services. I critically assess and evaluate those theories, concepts, and derivative principles as they impact important decisions and the implications of those decisions within the context of social change and with special emphasis on health care management and policy. In addition, I discuss the key assumptions on which the selected theories are constructed, compare and contrast the writers’ interpretations across theories, and conclude by providing a critical commentary on the merits of the selected...
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...End-of-life care in social work is a continuously growing and evolving field; the social work profession has embraced the challenge that comes from interaction with the dying process across multiple systems levels. A report from The Social Work in Hospice and Palliative Care Network stated the important role social work plays in end of life care: “Given the broad scope of practice and unique perspective, social workers bring to the field of palliative and end of life care, and to multidisciplinary teams their unique expertise in ethnic, cultural, and economic diversity; family dynamics; and social support networks. Their expertise in this field includes interventions for dealing with advanced chronic illness, trauma, grief, bereavement,...
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...The two principles that are in focus are beneficence and non-maleficence. Both beneficence and non-maleficence have played a fundamental historical role in medical ethics (Beauchamp &ump; Childress, 2009). Non-maleficence is often paired with beneficence, but there is a difference between these two principles (Rich, 2008). According to Beauchamp and Childress (2009) conflating beneficence and non-maleficence into a single principle obscures important distinctions. In addition, both of these ethical principles beneficence and non-maleficence are strengthened by state nursing practice acts, which mandate that nurses are legally obligated to safeguard patients and the profession (Bjarnason &ump; LaSala, 2011). Furthermore, it is with great purpose that we discuss the two principles beneficence and non-maleficence and their importance to the nursing profession. The principle of beneficence is concerned with a moral obligation to act for the benefits of others (Kennedy, 2004). Additionally, beneficence is the principle consisting of deeds such as mercy, kindness, and charity (Rich, 2008). There are other forms of beneficence including altruism, love, and humanity (Beauchamp &ump; Childress, 2009). We use beneficence in order to cover beneficent actions more broadly, so that it includes all forms of action to benefit other persons (Beauchamp &ump; Childress, 2009). Overall, beneficence implies that an individual takes action to do good by benefiting others and facilitating...
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...Ethical Health Care Issues Paper Sylvia Clarkson HCS/545 December 17, 2014 Dr. Michael Grossman According to Emanuel Medical Center, Ethics in healthcare is defined as doing the right thing for the patient - providing care and treatment that deliver medical benefits, reflect what's important to the patient's well-being, and respect what the patient wants (Emanuel Medical Center, 2014). Health Care ethics is concerned with the implementation of well researched decisions while taking into cognizance the patients’ religious and cultural beliefs, and wellbeing in relation to the treatment that is rendered unto the patient. It is mandatory by healthcare professionals to abide by medical ethics principles, most especially when dealing directly with patients. Some professionals confront the ethical issues directly while others turn away (Colonel John S. Murray, PhD, RN, USAF, NC, 2014). How individuals respond to these ethical dilemmas depends on their previous experiences with unethical behavior, their individual personality traits, and their ethical values, as well as their knowledge of ethical principles (Clancy, 2003). In this modern era, there are certain ethical issues that might arise in relation to a patient’s clinical management. A prominent medical ethical issue is the refusal of a patient for treatment, such as receiving blood transfusion because of his or her belief. The most renowned international religious group of people that refuse...
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...Assisted Suicide Yusuf J. Shalah HSA 515 Dr. James Coon 1. Explain how the Patient Bill of Rights applies to the situation. With regards to this situation, the Patient’s Bill of Rights was established to contribute to more effective patient care, and to ensure that care is considerate and respectful, and more importantly, to ensure a health care ethic that extends that respect to a patient’s role in decision-making about treatment choices and other aspects of their care. “These rights can be exercised on the patient’s behalf by a designated surrogate or proxy decision maker if the patient if the patient lacks decision making capacity, is legally incompetent or is a minor.”(Aha, 1993) Mrs. Jones, in our scenario, is a patient evidently suffering from a terminal illness possibly in its latter stages, or possibly a fresh diagnosis. In either situation, from the information provided Mrs. Jones has made no declaration, or request, agreement to receiving an extra dose of a narcotic which could potentially end her life. Thus, Nancy nurses’ decision to administer this extra dose is not only capable of killing her, but is also premeditated. There is no consideration to her wishes, those of her family, and a blatant disregard of any other health professionals involved. If you are to be justified in helping someone to die (assisted suicide), the person you are going to ‘help’ must have made it clear that they want to be killed. “A unilateral decision that is...
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...to provide care for the sick, injured and dying, they are always working within the boundaries of their professional codes of ethics. The nursing code of ethics is more than laws and common etiquette, and upholding the code of ethics is understood and agreed upon by people in the nursing profession. The two kinds of ethical theories discussed most in nursing are consequentialist and nonconsequentialist theories. By examining these two theories, nurses are able to evaluate the principle of confidentiality and how to apply the principle within reasonable limits. Further understanding of these normative theories gives nurses the abilities to evaluate conflict avoidance and resolution. As nurses further navigate the world of ethics, they discover how the code of ethics is influenced by a person’s culture, and they acquire a solid foundation for current ethical decision-making models used in their industry. Ethics in Nursing Practice, Values and Decision Making Nurses who take care of patients are encouraged to do so with a certain level of politeness. Other than being polite, nurses are required to be skilled, and they must follow the laws which govern them in their field of practice. Between all of the skills, politeness and laws are a nurse’s professional code of ethics. The code of ethics is generally understood and agreed upon by people in health care, and upholding these guiding principles is crucial to the successful delivery of nursing care. To operate...
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...CASE SCENARIO Leo R. is a 45-year-old patient with diabetes and is a widower with three young children. Two of Leo’s children suffer from chronic medical conditions. His oldest daughter, like Leo, has insulin-dependent diabetes. His only son suffers from grand mal epilepsy, which is poorly controlled by a plethora of medications. Leo works for a small printing business, a job he enjoys, but one that makes it difficult for him to make ends meet. With only six employees, the company’s owner cannot afford to offer health insurance. Leo’s annual salary of $30,000 allows him to purchase only the most basic of health plans, one that does not include coverage for prescription medications. Leo frequently must decide between medications and food, often opting for cheap junk food that is neither nutritious for his young family nor appropriate for a diabetic diet. Leo has recently applied for and been offered several other jobs, but at a lower salary and with no health insurance coverage. Recently, Leo’s diabetes has worsened. He has developed a serious infection that has led to lost wages and, far worse, the loss of his right leg below the knee. Leo is weighing his options. He has heard about a new clinical research trial open to insulin-dependent diabetics that pays $100 a week to research subjects. He has also been quite depressed and begun to wonder if his children might not be better off without him. He has several life insurance policies that would pay off generously if something...
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...PREGNANCY TERMINATION AT WEEK 27 GESTATION Ethical Dilemma: Pregnancy Termination at week 27 Gestation Ethics: Case study week Ana Alberto Pacific College November 9, 2012 Professional Code of Ethics and client advocacy: The ethical dilemma regarding these two parents pertains to whether or not to terminate this pregnancy at 27 weeks, which is after the 24 weeks fetal viability period. Finding out a child carried to term is harmed is nothing less than jarring, to the parents, family, and physician. In this scenario we have a couple who’ve worked hard to conceive and carry a child to that point; any choices made will be very emotional. They now have to make a very big decision that can be very devastating to the family’s future. This can also be hard for the clinicians working with this family as we also have beliefs and values that can impact our ability to care for the family if the decision being made impacts our belief...
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...Ethical Dilemma Coley Argue Legal and Ethical Issues In Healthcare Loretta Cain January 13, 2016 Resolving an Ethical Dilemma A naturopathic physician daughter apparently stands as surrogate-decision maker for her confused and disoriented father with terminal liver cancer. The patient received naturopathic treatment per insistence of the guardian daughter. The medical team in charge of the care of the patient has concerns on the potential harm of the treatment received by the patient. The entire scenario puts the medical team with an ethical dilemma that needs to be resolved. The Dimensions of the Ethical Dilemma The patient clearly in pain after receiving naturopathic treatment could raise the issues relative to non-malfeasance and beneficence. The initial reaction of the patient upon receiving the treatment could raise the question of the benefits the patient could gain from the treatment. Though pain could be an immediate natural reaction to the treatment, the potential harm of the received treatment to the patient would raise a high concern. Furthermore, the naturopathic physician daughter surrogate guardian surely has rights to practice her profession. Some conflict could be seen concerning the rights, privileges, and liability in the medical care of the patient. Furthermore, with the daughter getting involved in the medical treatment of the patient, the issue of the patient’s autonomy becomes questionable. The issues put the medical team into...
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...Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Richard Doria Grand Canyon University NRS -437 V Nov 16, 2014 Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice Patient confidentiality can be often breached without the intention of doing it. This happens when staff discusses patient information in crowds or small groups, patient notes on the computer being left open and unattended, and documents that are not being filed properly and stay visible to the next patient. Confidentiality is not necessarily absolute even though it is a patient’s right. Certain situations exist where medical staff is obligated to breach confidentiality, especially when they feel that it is in the patient’s interest to do so. The following are implications of breaching confidentiality: “1) breaching confidentiality fails to respect patient autonomy, 2) violation of patient confidentiality is a form of betrayal, and 3) patients have a right to confidentiality that has frequently been demonstrated in common law and in some specific areas outlined in statute law” (ministryofethics.co.uk, 2010). Confidentiality is a principle in nursing that makes nurses preserve the privacy of their patients and grant them their autonomy. Respect for the patients is being shown while maintaining confidentiality. This task makes nurses, physicians, and other medical staff accountable. Breaching confidentiality has a major tendency to cause harm or the patient refusing further medical care. “Undue harm can be described as embarrassment...
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...Running head: MEDICAL ETHICS: THE TRUTH BEHIND END OF LIFE MATTER 1 HLST 4010 Professor Geoffrey Reaume Lilyana Nooro 211862935 April 7th, 2015 MEDICAL ETHICS: THE TRUTH BEHIND END OF LIFE MATTER 2 Medical Ethics: The truth behind end of life matter When it comes to death and dying, the medical processes of these notions are highly controversial in ethical means. All forms of end of life are illegal in Canada, whether it is voluntary/non-voluntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, and some cases of refusal of treatment. These procedures affect someone who is terminally ill, undergoing a disease, experiencing severe,...
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...Assisted Suicide Abstract This paper identifies and explains how the Patient Bill of Rights applies to Nancy giving Mrs. Jones an extra dose of narcotic. It also discusses three ethical and three legal considerations. It also identifies and explains three business considerations. Finally it explains what the manager should do in this situation and why. Improving the end of life and advocating for a “good death” has become the mission of many dedicated individuals and organizations, and is also a frequent subject of research and focus for policy improvements (Jennings, Runder, and D’Onofrio, 2003). Assisted Suicide Effective health care requires collaboration between patients and physicians and other health care professionals. Open and honest communication, respect for personal and professional values, and sensitivity to differences are integral to optimal patient care. As the setting for the provision of health services, hospitals must provide a foundation for understanding and respecting the rights and responsibilities of patients, their families, physicians, and other caregivers. Hospitals must ensure a health care ethic that respects the role of patients in decision making about treatment choices and other aspects of their care. Hospitals must be sensitive to cultural, racial, linguistic, religious, age, gender, and other differences as well as the needs of persons with disabilities (A patient’s bill of rights, 1992). To participate effectively in...
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...career. This paper will cover relationships between legal and ethical issues as well as personal values and professional ethics. Relationships between Legal and Ethical Issues According to Wacker-Guido & Watson (2010), there are eight ethical principles that nurses encounter when making decisions in clinical settings, autonomy, beneficence, no maleficence, veracity, justice, paternalism, fidelity, and respect or others. In other terms nurses have personal freedom, the right of self-determination, a duty to perform good actions, duty to prevent any harm for occurring to their patients, the obligation to tell the truth, treat all patients equally and fairly, allow others to make decisions for individual patients, keep promises and commitments they make, and to treat everyone with respect. Ethical values are influenced by personal feelings, and are interpreted differently depending on the beliefs of the individual. The Britannica Concise Encyclopedia defines the code of ethics for nurses as follows: The code of ethics for nurses was developed as a guide for carrying out nursing responsibilities in a manner consistent with quality on nursing care and the ethical obligations of the profession. With the advances in technology and changes in the health care system has resulted in many ethical situations. New technologies are more expensive and little benefit to organizations who struggle with allocations of health care...
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...Professional EThics Professional Ethics Legal and ethical issues are frequently encountered in the health care setting and present unique challenges to health care professionals. Practicing nurses need to be knowledgeable with these concepts to ensure patient’s rights. In this paper, the author will describe the relationships between legal and ethical issues. In addition, the author will identify personal values and professional ethics and examine ethical theories and principles. Examples of applications of legal and ethical issues to current practice will also be provided. Relationships Between Legal and Ethical Issues “Ethics is the branch of philosophy concerned with evaluating human action” (Guido, 2010, p. 3). It is based on the principles of right and wrong and provides structure to behaviors and actions. Ethics are closely intertwined with morals and values. Morals are “personal principles that are acquired from life experiences, family and peer relationships, religion, culture, and the law” (Guido, 2010, p. 3). Values are “personal beliefs about the truths and worth of thoughts, objects, or behavior” (Guido, 2010, p. 3). Therefore, ethics are subject to an individual’s personal interpretation. In contrast, laws are rules and regulations established by some authority and enforced by judicial decision (Dictionary.com, 2011). The legal system governs actions and behaviors without regard to personal values, beliefs, and views. Laws are constantly evolving to...
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