A Significant Ethical Issue In The Professional Area To Be S

A Significant Ethical Issue In Professional Area To Be Selected By

A significant ethical issue in a professional field will be determined by the student. The issue should be specific enough that the student can fully describe and address it by explaining the problem in lay terms, defining any technical terminology, and discussing its significance to the field. The paper should examine whether the issue has always been pertinent or if its importance has increased recently, and analyze whether it is a universal concern or specific to certain societies. The potential ramifications of leaving the issue unresolved should be discussed. Various factual and normative arguments from different perspectives should be explored, with application of at least three ethical theories that are thoroughly defined using credible sources. The paper must identify key representatives and viewpoints involved in the debate, illustrate what they stand for, and analyze their arguments. The student should also state their own position supported by appropriate argumentation. Proper APA formatting, including a cover page, headings, in-text citations, and references, is required. The word count should be between 749 and 1000 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen professional field for this analysis is the healthcare industry, focusing specifically on medical ethics and the issue of patient confidentiality. Patient confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of medical practice, essential for maintaining trust between healthcare providers and patients. It involves the obligation of medical professionals to protect personal health information from unauthorized disclosure. While confidentiality has always been a cornerstone of medical ethics, heightened concerns over digital data security, electronic health records, and data breaches have intensified the relevance and complexity of this issue in recent years (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). Thus, the significance of patient confidentiality has, over time, grown as technology advances, making its preservation more challenging yet more critical to the integrity of healthcare practice.

In the broader societal context, patient confidentiality is an issue primarily within developed countries like the United States and members of Western society owing to advanced healthcare technologies and legal frameworks such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Unaddressed breaches or neglect in confidentiality can lead to serious ramifications, including loss of patient trust, psychological harm, discrimination, or even legal consequences for healthcare providers. For instance, unauthorized disclosures can result in stigma or harm to the individual's reputation, especially in sensitive cases such as HIV status or mental health conditions, which require strict confidentiality measures (Gostin et al., 2020).

The debates surrounding patient confidentiality involve various perspectives. Supporters argue that confidentiality is crucial for respecting patient autonomy and fostering open communication, which ultimately leads to better health outcomes (Gillon, 2015). Conversely, some contend that in certain cases, such as threats of harm to others or public health emergencies, confidentiality may need to be compromised for greater societal benefit (Gostin et al., 2020). The tension between individual rights and collective safety frames much of the normative debate in this context.

Applying ethical theories provides a structured lens to better understand this dilemma. First, Kantian deontology emphasizes duty and the intrinsic worth of individuals. From this perspective, maintaining patient confidentiality is a moral duty rooted in respecting persons as autonomous agents (Kant, 1785/2014). Breaking confidentiality would violate this duty and diminish the patient's dignity. Second, utilitarianism evaluates actions based upon their outcomes. Upholding confidentiality generally promotes the greatest happiness by preserving trust, although exceptions may be justified if disclosure prevents significant harm, such as the spread of an infectious disease (Mill, 1863/2008). Third, virtue ethics focuses on character and moral virtues. A healthcare professional demonstrating honesty, integrity, and respect would prioritize confidentiality as part of their moral character, fostering trustworthiness and professional excellence (Aristotle, 4th century BCE). Analyzing these theories reveals that while they converge on certain principles, they may diverge on issues like exceptions, illustrating the complexity of applying ethical frameworks in real-world scenarios.

Among prominent voices, the American Medical Association (AMA) advocates for unwavering respect for patient privacy, emphasizing confidentiality as a fundamental ethical obligation (AMA, 2016). Conversely, public health officials may prioritize disclosures for communicable disease control, reflecting a balance between individual rights and societal safety. My stance aligns with the view that confidentiality should be upheld as a default but can be ethically breached when imminent harm or legal mandates justify such action. This position recognizes the importance of trust in the patient-provider relationship while acknowledging exceptional circumstances that may warrant limited disclosure.

In conclusion, patient confidentiality remains a vital but increasingly challenged ethical issue in healthcare. Its importance is rooted in respect for individual autonomy and trust, but technological, legal, and societal developments complicate its preservation. Applying multiple ethical theories helps clarify the moral foundations and potential conflicts involved, guiding practitioners toward ethically justifiable decisions. Ultimately, maintaining confidentiality is essential in fostering a trustworthy healthcare environment, which benefits both patients and society at large.

References

• American Medical Association. (2016). Principles of Medical Ethics. AMA. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/code-medical-ethics
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Gostin, L. O., Hodge, J. G., & Noort, J. (2020). Reconciling privacy and public health: An ethical framework for health data. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 48(3), 548-567.
• Kant, I. (2014). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. (H. J. Paton, Trans.). Harper & Row. (Original work published 1785)
• Mill, J. S. (2008). utilitarianism. (G. Rapaille, Ed.). Project Gutenberg. (Original work published 1863)
• Gillon, R. (2015). Medical ethics: Five principles plus attention to relations. Journal of Medical Ethics, 41(4), 307-312.
• Aristotle. (2000). Nicomachean Ethics (J. A. K. Thomson, Trans.). Hackett Publishing. (Original work published c. 4th century BCE)
• Patient confidentiality and data security: Challenges and solutions. (2021). Journal of Healthcare Information Management, 35(2), 45-52.
• Office for Civil Rights. (2020). Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html
• Faden, R., Beauchamp, T. L., & Kass, N. (2013). A history and theory of informed consent. Oxford University Press.