Discussion Question In Your Clinical Setting: Consider The M

Discussion Questionin Your Clinical Setting Consider The Many Times

Discussion Question: In your clinical setting, consider the many times and various ways in which you acted as a patient or family advocate. Which model did you follow in advocating for the patient: rights protection model, values-based model, or respect for persons model? Would having used a different model have changed the outcome? Were there also instances when you chose not to be an advocate for a particular patient? What circumstances or events prevented you from serving in this role?

Paper For Above instruction

In clinical practice, advocacy for patients is an integral component of ethical and high-quality care. Nurses and healthcare professionals often encounter situations requiring them to champion patient rights, preferences, and well-being. Reflecting on personal experiences reveals the various models of advocacy employed, their implications, and circumstances that influence advocacy roles. This essay explores the models of patient advocacy—rights protection, values-based, and respect for persons—and analyzes their application, potential impact on outcomes, and situations where advocacy may be limited.

Models of Patient Advocacy

The rights protection model of advocacy emphasizes safeguarding patient rights. It involves ensuring patients are informed, their autonomy respected, and their legal rights upheld. This model is often predominant in situations requiring legal or ethical intervention, such as informed consent or safeguarding against discrimination. For example, a nurse might advocate for a patient’s right to refuse treatment by ensuring they understand their options and legal protections.

The values-based model centers on aligning care with individual patient values, beliefs, and preferences. It requires the healthcare provider to understand the patient's worldview and support decisions that reflect their personal values. An instance of this is respecting a patient's cultural beliefs concerning end-of-life care, and adjusting interventions accordingly.

The respect for persons model underscores inherent dignity and worth, advocating for compassionate, person-centered care. This approach emphasizes treating every patient with dignity, regardless of their condition or circumstances, and fostering trust and mutual respect in the caregiver-patient relationship.

Application of Advocacy Models in Clinical Practice

In my clinical experience, I have predominantly employed the rights protection model, especially when addressing issues related to informed consent and safeguarding vulnerable populations. For instance, I ensured elderly patients with cognitive impairments understood their treatment options and their autonomy was respected. In other cases, I adopted a values-based approach by engaging with patients who wished to incorporate their religious beliefs into their care plan, ensuring their spiritual needs were met while respecting their personal value system.

The respect for persons model was fundamental during interactions involving compassionate care, particularly with terminally ill patients. It guided my approach to provide dignity and emotional support, fostering a trusting environment essential for sensitive conversations and palliative care planning.

Impact of Using Different Advocacy Models

Had I employed a different advocacy model, patient outcomes and experiences might have varied. For example, if I had solely focused on the rights protection model in a cultural context where patient beliefs heavily influence health decisions, I might have overlooked the importance of aligning care with personal values. Conversely, a purely values-based approach without safeguarding legal rights could risk neglecting patients’ autonomy, especially in vulnerable populations.

Integrating multiple models allows for comprehensive advocacy, addressing legal, cultural, and emotional needs. This holistic approach ensures that patient care is respectful, rights-based, and aligned with individual values, leading to more ethical and personalized outcomes.

Limitations and Challenges in Advocacy

There have been instances where I chose not to intervene as an advocate, primarily due to situational constraints or institutional barriers. Time limitations during emergencies often hindered extensive advocacy efforts, forcing quick decision-making that prioritized immediate clinical needs over detailed patient advocacy. Additionally, hierarchical healthcare settings sometimes limited my ability to challenge physicians or administrative policies that conflicted with patient interests.

In some cases, a lack of information or understanding about specific patient preferences or cultural backgrounds prevented me from effectively advocating. Fear of conflict or repercussions within the team also contributed to moments where I hesitated to voice concerns or advocate more assertively.

Conclusion

Patient advocacy in clinical practice requires a nuanced understanding of various models and the ability to adapt approaches based on individual circumstances. The rights protection, values-based, and respect for persons models each offer unique perspectives, and an integrated approach is often most effective in achieving ethical and patient-centered care. Recognizing limitations and barriers to advocacy is essential for healthcare professionals committed to safeguarding patient rights and dignity. Continuous reflection and education can enhance advocacy skills, ensuring that patient needs remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery.

References

• Brady, K., & Mattick, K. (2019). Ethical principles in nursing practice. Nursing Ethics, 26(2), 365-379.
• Clarke, A., & Aulisio, M. (2020). Advocacy in nursing: A guide to professional practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(4), 368-376.
• Fitzpatrick, J. J., & Whall, A. L. (2016). Art and science of nursing: The art of advocacy. Nursing Science Quarterly, 29(1), 6-13.
• Hanks, R. (2018). The role of advocacy in nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 33(4), 45-49.
• International Council of Nurses. (2012). The ICN code of ethics for nurses. Geneva: ICN.
• Klein, J. (2021). Patient advocacy: Ethical and legal perspectives. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(21-22), 3198-3206.
• Local, L., & Sutherland, M. (2017). Cultural competence and advocacy in healthcare. Nursing & Health Sciences, 19(3), 273-278.
• McCabe, C. (2018). Understanding the nurse's role in advocacy. British Journal of Nursing, 27(14), 818-823.
• Wilson, L., & Miller, D. (2019). Barriers to advocacy in clinical practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(6), 1241-1249.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Framework on patient rights and advocacy. Geneva: WHO.