Analyze Ethical And Legal Dilemmas For Healthcare Workers

Analyze ethical and legal dilemmas that healthcare workers may encounter in the med

Analyze ethical and legal dilemmas that healthcare workers may encounter in the medical field. You have recently been promoted to Health Services Manager at Three Mountains Regional Hospital, a small hospital located in a mid-size city in the Midwest. Three Mountains is a general medical and surgical facility with 400 beds. Last year, there were approximately 62,000 emergency visits and 15,000 admissions. More than 6,000 outpatient and 10,000 inpatient surgeries were performed. An important aspect of the provider/patient relationship pertains to open communication and trust. Patients want to know that their doctors and the support staff associated with their care understand their wishes and will abide by them. Ideally, these conversations happen well before an emergency or procedure takes place; however, oftentimes this information is missing from a patient's file.

As part of Three Mountains' initiative to build trust with their patients, an increased emphasis has been placed on obtaining living wills from the patient as part of the intake process to ensure that the healthcare team has written directives of the patient's wishes in case of incapacitation.

You will be creating a living will for a patient and provide educational information as to why the patient should fill it out during the admission process before a procedure. The assignment includes an educational overview of a living will, a template of the living will with modifiable instructions, and a discussion on the importance of this document for patient autonomy and ethical healthcare practice.

Paper For Above instruction

A living will is a legal document that allows an individual to specify their preferences regarding medical treatment should they become incapable of communicating their decisions. This document is a cornerstone of advance healthcare planning and ensures that a patient's wishes are known and respected, even when they cannot actively participate in decision-making. The key components of a living will typically include directives about resuscitation, artificial nutrition and hydration, mechanical ventilation, organ and tissue donation, and pain management. These components help to clarify the patient's preferences on critical issues that may arise during a health crisis, thereby guiding healthcare providers in delivering care aligned with the patient's values and desires.

Creating a comprehensive yet adaptable living will involves understanding its core elements. The directive about resuscitation, also known as the "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order, states whether the patient wishes to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if their heart stops or they stop breathing. For feeding tubes and artificial nutrition, the document specifies if the patient wants to receive artificial sustenance in case they cannot eat on their own. Regarding ventilation, the living will indicates whether the patient consents to or declines mechanical breathing support in situations where they are unable to breathe independently. Additionally, the document addresses organ and tissue donation preferences, including consent for donation if applicable.

The template for a living will should be straightforward and customizable to reflect the individual patient's values and wishes. For example, instructions can be written as, "I do not wish to receive resuscitation efforts if I am diagnosed with a terminal condition," or "I consent to organ donation upon my death." It is essential to include clear instructions that can be amended as the patient's preferences evolve over time, with guidance on how to update or revoke the document. Including space for the patient’s signature, date, and witnesses is crucial to ensure legal validity.

Education about the importance of completing a living will is vital in fostering patient autonomy and ensuring ethical healthcare practices. This document empowers patients by giving them control over their medical decisions even in times of crisis. It reduces confusion and conflict among family members and healthcare providers by providing explicit instructions regarding end-of-life care. Completing a living will before treatments or procedures reassures patients that their wishes will be honored, fostering trust in the healthcare system.

Encouraging patients to fill out a living will during the admission process is a proactive step in healthcare management. It aligns with ethical principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Healthcare providers should educate patients about the purpose of a living will and address any concerns or questions they may have. This proactive approach improves the quality of care, supports ethical decision-making, and enhances the patient-provider relationship.

References

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