Develop In Detail A Situation In Which A Healthcare W 914076

develop In Detail A Situation In Which A Health Care Wor

Develop, in detail, a situation in which a health care worker might be confronted with ethical problems related to patients and prescription drug use OR patients in a state of poverty. Your scenario must be original to you and this assignment. It cannot be from the discussion boards in this class or any other previous forum. Articulate (and then assess) the ethical solutions that can be found using "care" (care-based ethics) and "rights" ethics to those problems. Assessment must ask if the solutions are flawed, practicable, persuasive, etc.

What health care technology is involved in the situation? What moral guidelines for using that kind of healthcare technology should be used there? Explore such guidelines also using utilitarianism, Kantian deontology, ethical egoism, or social contract ethics. Say how social technologies such as blogs, crowdfunding, online encyclopedias can be used in either case. Develop such guidelines also using utilitarianism, Kantian deontology, ethical egoism, or social contract ethics. Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary healthcare settings, ethical challenges frequently arise concerning the accessibility and distribution of prescription drugs among impoverished patients. One such scenario involves a community clinic serving a predominantly low-income population, where a nurse named Maria is faced with a difficult ethical dilemma. Maria discovers that a patient, Mr. Jenkins, who suffers from chronic pain and requires ongoing medication, has resorted to borrowing prescriptions from other patients, sharing painkillers, or purchasing drugs illegally due to his inability to afford proper healthcare. The clinic has limited supplies of essential medications, and there is pressure to ration the drugs to ensure the equitable distribution among all patients. Maria's dilemma is whether to prioritize Mr. Jenkins's immediate need for pain relief at the risk of violating institutional policies or to deny him medication, considering the resource constraints and ethical obligations to other patients.

From a care ethics perspective, Maria’s primary concern would be maintaining a relationship of trust and compassion with her patient. This approach emphasizes empathy, the importance of caring relationships, and moral obligations to alleviate suffering. In this context, care ethics would suggest that Maria should consider Mr. Jenkins's unique circumstances, his pain, and the potential harm caused by withholding medication. She might advocate for individualized care that recognizes his plight, perhaps seeking alternative solutions such as discussing financial aid options or connecting him with social services. The emphasis is on empathy and fostering trust, which can be pivotal in providing holistic and humane care.

Conversely, rights ethics centers on the moral rights of individuals, emphasizing fairness, justice, and respect for autonomy. Using this perspective, Maria needs to balance Mr. Jenkins’s right to adequate healthcare and pain management against the equitable distribution of limited resources among all patients. Denying Mr. Jenkins medication might violate his right to relief from suffering, but distributing medications arbitrarily could infringe upon the rights of other patients who also require care. An ethical solution could involve advocating for systemic change, ensuring broader access to affordable medications, or mobilizing community resources to support Mr. Jenkins without compromising fairness. Rights ethics would caution against unilateral decisions that undermine justice but would support finding solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all involved.

The involved healthcare technology includes electronic medical records (EMRs), prescription management systems, and possibly telehealth platforms. These technologies can aid in accurate documentation, monitoring medication use, and facilitating communication with social services and pharmacies. Ethical guidelines for using such technology should prioritize confidentiality, accuracy, and equitable access. From a utilitarian perspective, using EMRs and telehealth can maximize overall well-being by improving coordination and reducing medication errors. Kantian deontology emphasizes respecting patient privacy and autonomy, urging strict adherence to confidentiality protocols and informed consent.

Social technologies like crowdfunding platforms, online blogs, and open-access encyclopedias can play vital roles in addressing healthcare disparities. Crowdfunding can help individuals like Mr. Jenkins afford medications and treatment when conventional insurance or assistance programs fall short. Blogs and social media can raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and foster community engagement. Ethical guidelines for employing these technologies should include transparency, honesty, and respect for dignity. From a social contract perspective, societal investment in healthcare infrastructure and social safety nets is essential. Utilitarianism would support technological solutions that benefit the greatest number, while Kantian ethics would emphasize respecting individuals’ rights and dignity in utilizing social technologies responsibly.

In conclusion, the ethical dilemma faced by Maria illustrates the complexities surrounding prescription drug use among impoverished patients. Applying care ethics highlights the importance of compassion and individualized attention, whereas rights ethics emphasizes justice and fairness. Healthcare technology plays a crucial role in facilitating ethical decision-making, provided it adheres to moral guidelines grounded in various ethical theories such as utilitarianism and Kantian deontology. The integration of social technologies offers promising avenues to address systemic issues, promote awareness, and support vulnerable populations ethically and effectively. Ultimately, a multifaceted ethical approach combining these perspectives can foster more equitable and humane healthcare practices.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Childress, J. F., & Siegler, M. (2010). The Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Faden, R. R., & Beauchamp, T. L. (1986). A History and Theory of Informed Consent. Oxford University Press.
• Gillon, R. (2003). Medical ethics: Four principles plus attention to context. BMJ, 307(6913), 990-991.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing Company.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Siegel, J. (2010). The social contract and social justice. Social Philosophy & Policy, 27(1), 106-129.
• Ubel, P. A., & Loewenstein, G. (1999). Distributing health care resources: What principles should guide us? BMJ, 319(7204), 530-533.
• Wicclair, M. R. (2011). Ethical challenges in prescribing opioids for chronic pain: A case-based approach. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 25(2), 170-177.