Ethics In Healthcare Theories And Principles Analyze The Sta

Ethics In Healthcaretheories And Principlesanalyze The Statements Giv

Ethics in healthcare involve various theories and principles that guide decision-making in complex and often morally challenging situations. Morrison (2009) describes ethical theories as tools in an ethical toolbox that individuals can utilize to make informed and morally sound decisions. In the healthcare context, issues such as advanced directives and end-of-life care, particularly in cases of brain death, frequently present ethical dilemmas. Choosing an appropriate ethical framework is crucial for healthcare professionals tasked with making such sensitive decisions.

Among the various ethical theories covered this week, utilitarianism provides a particularly compelling approach when addressing issues like honoring advanced directives in cases of brain death. Utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, emphasizes maximizing overall good and minimizing harm. From this perspective, decisions should be guided by the outcome that produces the greatest benefit for the patient and the broader community, considering factors such as the patient's wishes, quality of life, and clinical prognosis. This theory aligns with the principle of beneficence, which mandates acting in the best interest of the patient. I chose utilitarianism because it facilitates a pragmatic, outcome-oriented approach that considers not only individual needs but also societal impact, which is especially relevant in resource-limited situations like brain death scenarios.

Utilitarianism can guide healthcare practitioners by encouraging decisions that prioritize best outcomes—such as respecting advanced directives that align with a patient's values, thereby avoiding unnecessary suffering, and allocating resources to those most likely to benefit. However, it is essential to balance utilitarian calculations with respect for individual rights and justice, acknowledging that decisions should not disregard personal autonomy or fairness.

The most widely used and accepted ethical principle in the United States healthcare system is autonomy. This principle asserts that individuals have the right to make their own healthcare decisions based on their values and preferences. Autonomy is embedded in the legal and ethical frameworks governing informed consent and patients' rights, making it central to medical practice today. The emphasis on respecting patient autonomy reflects societal values of individual liberty and self-determination, which are fundamental to American healthcare policies and legal statutes.

Conversely, the most often ignored principle in healthcare is justice. Justice refers to fairness in procedure and resource distribution. While it is a foundational principle, its application often faces challenges due to disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic factors, and resource limitations. For example, racial and socioeconomic inequalities often hinder equitable access to care, leading to the neglect of justice in practical settings. This neglect stems from systemic biases, resource constraints, and prioritization issues in healthcare delivery, which tend to favor certain populations over others.

Addressing the ethical issue of rationing care involves complex considerations rooted in various principles and theories. Rationing, whether formal or informal, must be guided by ethically sound criteria to ensure fairness and moral integrity. I would choose to prioritize patients based on clinical urgency, likelihood of benefit, and the potential to save or significantly improve lives. This aligns with the principle of justice, which emphasizes equitable allocation based on need and benefit. Additionally, incorporating the concept of beneficence ensures that efforts are concentrated on those who can derive the most benefit from scarce resources, thereby maximizing positive outcomes.

Specific criteria I would use to ration scarce medical services include likelihood of survival, severity of the condition, absence of comorbidities that limit recovery, and the potential for recovery with treatment. Age might also be considered, but it should not be the sole criterion, to prevent age discrimination. Instead, I would emphasize medical prognosis and potential for meaningful recovery, which are consistent with the principles of beneficence and justice. I selected these criteria because they focus on maximizing benefits while maintaining fairness, ensuring that resources are allocated in a manner that promotes overall health outcomes and social equity.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Brody, H. (2003). The role of ethics in improving health and healthcare. The Annals of Family Medicine, 1(2), 104-109.
• Childress, J. F., Faden, R. R., & Siegler, M. (2019). Responsible conduct of biomedical research. Oxford University Press.
• Morrison, J. (2009). Ethical principles and their application in healthcare. Journal of Medical Ethics, 35(4), 215-218.
• Persad, G., & Emanuel, E. J. (2016). Fairly Allocating Scarce Medical Resources. JAMA, 315(9), 865–866.
• Shapiro, J. P. (2012). The Ethics of Healthcare Rationing. Cambridge University Press.
• Sayre, J. (2017). Ethical dilemmas in brain death and organ donation. Journal of Critical Care, 42, 232-237.
• Sonntag, J. L., & Johnson, C. A. (2020). Ethical principles in healthcare decision-making. Health Progress, 101(3), 28-33.
• Vibbert, D. & Rachlis, M. (2020). Rationing scarce health resources and ethical decision-making. International Journal of Ethics, 34(2), 189-204.
• World Medical Association. (2016). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. WMA.