Ethical Dilemma After Reviewing The Invisible Patient 673410

Ethical Dilemmaafter Reviewingthe Invisible Patientsdocumentarydefine

Ethical Dilemmas Following the Viewing of "The Invisible Patients" Documentary: Definitions, Personal Reflection, and Strategies

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requests a comprehensive analysis of an ethical dilemma experienced by a Nurse Practitioner (NP) as depicted in the documentary "The Invisible Patients." It involves defining and describing the dilemma in detail, explaining how the NP handled the situation, and discussing how the NP is a disruptive innovator. Additionally, it requires reflection on whether personal beliefs and values relate to the ethical barrier, suggesting mechanisms to overcome it, and examining the associated costs and benefits. The discussion should incorporate scholarly references, especially referencing the Nuremberg Code, to contextualize ethics in research and nursing practice.

Introduction

"The Invisible Patients" is a documentary that sheds light on marginalized patient populations often neglected by traditional healthcare systems. The film highlights systemic barriers, ethical challenges, and innovative approaches by healthcare professionals to improve care delivery. Within this context, an ethical dilemma arises regarding resource allocation and advocacy for vulnerable patients. This paper discusses a specific ethical dilemma encountered by an NP depicted in the documentary, explores personal and professional implications, and suggests strategies to address such challenges effectively.

Description of the Ethical Dilemma

The ethical dilemma faced by the NP in the documentary revolves around resource allocation and advocacy for homeless or undocumented patients who lack access to consistent healthcare. Specifically, the NP encounters a conflict between the duty to provide equitable care and the institutional limitations that restrict services to these marginalized groups. For example, rendering services without proper documentation or insurance conflicts with administrative policies, creating a moral tension between professional ethics — the obligation to help all patients — and organizational constraints.

This dilemma embodies core principles of biomedical ethics, particularly beneficence and justice. Beneficence demands that healthcare providers act in the best interest of their patients, promoting well-being and safety. Justice demands fairness in distributing healthcare resources, ensuring marginalized populations are not unfairly excluded. The NP in the documentary personally experiences the stress of these conflicting principles, knowing that refusal to provide certain services may compromise patient health but also recognizing organizational policies designed to limit liability or costs.

Personal Handling of the Ethical Dilemma

If faced with a similar dilemma, I would prioritize the ethical obligation to patient advocacy and beneficence. This would involve thoroughly documenting the patient's needs, advocating within organizational channels for policy reevaluation, and seeking support from interdisciplinary teams and community resources. When institutional barriers exist, I would strive to educate stakeholders about the moral imperatives involved, emphasizing the social determinants of health and the ethical obligation to serve vulnerable populations. If policy restrictions persist, I would consider ethically justifiable actions such as providing temporizing care, referring patients to community clinics, or engaging with healthcare organizations dedicated to serving marginalized groups.

Ultimately, I would aim to balance organizational policies with my professional ethical commitments, advocating for systemic change while respecting legal and institutional boundaries. Such approaches align with the principles of ethical nursing practice, emphasizing both respect for persons and social justice.

The NP as a Disruptive Innovator

The NP in the documentary exemplifies a disruptive innovator by challenging traditional healthcare delivery models that often exclude marginalized groups. Disruptive innovation involves implementing novel approaches that alter established systems to improve access and outcomes. The NP's advocacy, outreach, and tailored care strategies exemplify how she disrupts conventional practices rooted in biomedical models that focus on acute, acute episodic care rather than holistic, patient-centered interventions for vulnerable populations.

By employing innovative community engagement techniques, leveraging technology for health monitoring, and advocating for policy reforms, the NP facilitates systemic change. This disruptive approach not only enhances healthcare access but also prompts healthcare organizations to reconsider resource allocation, cultural competency, and ethical responsibilities toward all patient populations.

Relationship Between Personal Beliefs, Values, and the Ethical Dilemma

My personal beliefs emphasize social justice, compassion, and equal access to healthcare, which align with the ethical principles of beneficence and justice. Such values influence my perspective on the dilemma by reinforcing the moral obligation to serve marginalized populations without discrimination or bias. Conversely, personal beliefs that prioritize organizational efficiency or cost-containment could serve as barriers, creating internal conflicts when organizational policies conflict with ethical commitments.

Recognizing these potential tensions underscores the importance of self-awareness and ethical reflection. Personal values must be balanced with professional standards and organizational expectations to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively, fostering morally congruent practice.

Mechanisms to Overcome the Barrier

One effective mechanism to address organizational barriers is fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy. This involves engaging social workers, legal advisers, community organizations, and policymakers to develop strategies that expand access and modify restrictive policies. Education and ethical dialogue across stakeholders can lead to institutional reforms aligned with ethical principles and social justice.

Another approach entails implementing trauma-informed care models that recognize and address the root causes of health disparities. Providing cultural competency training for staff increases awareness of social determinants and enhances the capacity to serve marginalized populations ethically.

The potential costs of such mechanisms include resource expenditure, time, and organizational resistance. However, the benefits encompass improved patient outcomes, reduced health disparities, increased organizational reputation, and adherence to ethical standards emphasizing justice and beneficence.

Conclusion

The ethical dilemma encountered by the NP in "The Invisible Patients" documentary underscores the tension between duty and organizational limitations. Addressing such dilemmas requires a commitment to ethical principles, innovative problem-solving, and advocacy. Personal values centered on social justice support proactive strategies to overcome barriers, ultimately fostering equitable healthcare delivery. Implementing collaborative approaches aligned with ethical standards can help bridge systemic gaps, benefitting vulnerable populations and advancing nursing professionalism.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• US Department of Health & Human Services. (2005). The Nuremberg Code. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-nda/nuremberg-code/index.html
• Washington, H. A. (2012). Health inequities and social determinants of health. In P. H. Frum (Ed.), Social Determinants of Health (pp. 45-66). Springer.
• Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The National Academies Press.
• Kodner, D. L., & Spreeuwenberg, C. (2002). Integrated care: A position paper of the PUC. International Journal of Integrated Care, 2(4), e12.
• Boyd, M. A., & Brouwer, J. (2017). Disruptive innovation in nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(3), 182-188.
• Crabb, R. M. (Ed.). (2014). Ethical issues in the care of the vulnerable. Oxford University Press.
• Benner, P., Tanner, C., & Cheever, K. (2010). Expert Nurses: Caring, Competence, and Collaboration. Springer Publishing.
• Epstein, R. M., & Street, R. L. (2011). The values and value of patient-centered care. Annals of Family Medicine, 9(2), 100-103.
• World Health Organization. (2010). Social determinants of health. Geneva: WHO Press.