HSCI 410 - Legal And Ethical Issues In Health And Human Scie ✓ Solved

HSCI 410 - Legal and Ethical Issues For Health and Human Science

This project requires students to apply course content to a case study. The study may be media based (a review of a film holding medical ethics issues) or an example from the student’s work life. Students will produce a 5-to-6-page paper.

Specific instructions include:

  • Use Pozgar, codes of ethics, regulatory agencies, and relevant law sources in your analysis.
  • Select at least two ethical concepts (i.e., beneficence, justice, paternalism, nonmaleficence) that relate to care of individuals and families with the issues presented.
  • Explore and discuss the related health care or public policy research and how health care in specific or society in general might address these issues.
  • Include discussion of 1-2 scholarly research articles and provide links to these publications.

The analysis should strive to explore the legal and ethical concepts that were involved, indicate any relevant legal issues with special consideration of at least two of the following which include regulatory, criminal, and/or civil and ethical issues from at least one health career Code of Ethics.

Please be specific regarding how those in your health career may use these concepts in working with such individuals and families.

Media-based case study option: Students who select the Film Analysis Option will be focusing on the ethical and legal issues involved in caring for those who have unique lifestyle situations and the special issues involved in caring for them.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The health care system is laden with ethical and legal issues due to the sensitive nature of care provided to individuals and families. This paper will analyze a case study regarding the ethical and legal implications arising in health care professions. Specifically, the case study will refer to the film “Still Alice,” which poignantly portrays the struggles of a woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Using relevant ethical concepts such as nonmaleficence and justice, and analyzing the circumstances faced by the protagonist, this paper will explore how health care professionals can navigate the complexities of providing care in such challenging situations.

Film Synopsis and Health Care Issues

The film “Still Alice” follows Alice Howland, a linguistics professor, as she grapples with the emotional and practical ramifications of her early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. The film illustrates several ethical issues, including the role of autonomy in decision-making and the potential for paternalism when family members and health care providers intervene in care decisions. The portrayal of Alice’s gradual cognitive decline and its effects on her family is a crucial point for analyzing how health care practitioners manage care for patients while balancing ethical principles and legal obligations.

Ethical Concepts in Health Care

Two major ethical concepts relevant to this analysis are nonmaleficence and justice. Nonmaleficence, the ethical principle of "do no harm," can often conflict with the need to protect individuals who may not be able to make informed decisions about their care (Pozgar, 2020). For example, as Alice’s condition progresses, her ability to communicate her needs becomes compromised. Health care providers must carefully consider the implications of any intervention and ensure that it does not result in further harm to the patient. Justice involves ensuring that patients receive equitable care and respect, regardless of their cognitive status (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). In Alice's case, providing appropriate support and resources demonstrates the commitment to justice within the healthcare framework.

Public Policy Research on Ethical Issues

Public policy plays a significant role in shaping the ethical practices encountered in health care. Research indicates that access to resources for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments remains uneven across different demographics (Alzheimer's Association, 2021). By addressing policy gaps, society can foster a health care environment that adheres to ethical principles of beneficence and justice. Advocating for improved access to care and support services, as well as training for health professionals in ethical decision-making, can directly mitigate the challenges faced by patients like Alice and their families (Wilson et al., 2020).

Scholarly Articles and Findings

In reviewing scholarly literature on ethical issues in Alzheimer’s care, one pertinent study highlights the implications of caregiver involvement in patient decision-making. This study indicates that while caregivers often act in the best interest of patients, they must also consider the patient’s previously expressed wishes and autonomy when making decisions (Peters et al., 2019). A second study emphasizes the need for ethical training for healthcare professionals, focusing on the balance between imposing care and respecting patient choice (Hughes et al., 2020). These findings underscore the complexity of ethical decision-making in scenarios similar to Alice's, as respective health care professionals navigate these multifaceted issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the film “Still Alice” provides a poignant representation of the ethical and legal dilemmas encountered in health care careers, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease. By exploring the concepts of nonmaleficence and justice, health care practitioners can better understand their roles and responsibilities when caring for patients with cognitive impairments. Public policy research can further inform these ethical challenges and promote equitable access to care. As health care continues to evolve, it is imperative for professionals to remain cognizant of the legal frameworks and ethical considerations that guide their practice.

References

  • Alzheimer's Association. (2021). 2021 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Link
  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Hughes, S. L., et al. (2020). Ethical Dilemmas in Dementia Care: A Review of the Literature. Aging & Mental Health, 24(11), 1795-1802.
  • Peters, S. E., et al. (2019). Decisions in Dementia Care: Ethical Dilemmas and Impacts on Family. Journal of Aging Studies, 48, 36-44.
  • Pozgar, G. D. (2020). Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals, 5th Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Wilson, R. S., et al. (2020). A Policy Analysis of Alzheimer's Disease Prevention: Promoting Research and Health Care. Health Affairs, 39(6), 965-972.

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