Master Of Science In Nursing 5 Hours Ago Chijioke Ikegwuonuw

Master Of Science In Nursing5 Hours Agochijioke Ikegwuonuweek 2 Discus

Beneficence is an ethical concept that obligates healthcare providers to act in the best interest of patients by preventing harm, defending rights, and promoting well-being. It is fundamental across all decision-making processes in healthcare, including psychiatry, where patients may have limited capacity to understand or consent to treatment. This paper synthesizes insights from four scholarly articles on beneficence in psychiatric care, analyzing the legal, ethical, and practical implications involved.

The core principle of beneficence emphasizes acting in ways that benefit patients, ensuring procedures and interventions support their health and safety while respecting their rights. According to Bipeta (2019), beneficence guides clinicians to remove conditions that could cause harm, especially relevant in mental health care where patients may be vulnerable to neglect or mistreatment. When making clinical decisions, the capacity and legal empowerment of the patient are critical considerations, as Zhang-Jiang et al. (2020) highlight. They argue that for adult patients with decision-making capacity, clinicians must involve them in decisions about their care, upholding their autonomy and rights while prioritizing beneficence.

Legal frameworks further reinforce the obligations associated with beneficence. Bipeta (2019) references the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) 2017, which grants mentally ill individuals the right to dignity and protection from inhumane treatment. Such legislation mandates clinicians to avoid inhuman or degrading practices, framing beneficence within a legal context. The article underlines that any deviation from these standards can lead to legal repercussions, emphasizing that beneficence is both a moral duty and a legal obligation.

The use of technology in psychiatric settings presents ethical dilemmas that can challenge the application of beneficence. Sussman et al. (2018) warn clinicians to balance technological advancements with the need for physical examinations and direct patient interactions, especially for adolescents who are often immersed in digital environments. Respecting patient autonomy includes considering their comfort with technology and ensuring that clinical assessments are comprehensive, which sometimes requires proximity and direct contact. Such considerations are vital to prevent harm and maintain the integrity of beneficence in modern psychiatric care.

Moreover, Mohammad et al. (2018) emphasize the importance of clinicians’ knowledge of ethico-legal issues. They argue that understanding the legal implications of detaining mentally ill patients without consent is crucial to avoid malpractice and uphold beneficence. This is particularly complex with vulnerable populations, including minors and persons with disabilities, where standards for determining the patient's best interests are nuanced and often contested. Establishing a clear knowledge base ensures that practitioners act ethically and legally, fostering trust and safety in psychiatric care.

In practice, clinicians must evaluate the unique needs of specific groups, including children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities. For children and adolescents, determining what constitutes their best interests can be challenging due to developmental differences. Respecting their rights involves acting in their best interest while involving guardians, as noted by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP, 2014). This often calls for balancing autonomy with protection, especially when the child's capacity to make informed decisions is limited.

On the other hand, providing care for persons with disabilities or mental health conditions may entail additional safeguards. Clinicians are obligated to ensure that all interventions promote rehabilitation and prevent harm. For instance, supporting LGBTQ youth requires sensitivity and avoidance of discrimination, emphasizing beneficence by fostering a respectful and inclusive environment (Adelson & Child, 2012). Ethical practice necessitates cultural competence and awareness of diverse patient backgrounds to ensure equitable and beneficial care.

In conclusion, beneficence remains a cornerstone of ethical psychiatric practice. Its application requires a careful balance of legal requirements, patient capacity, autonomy, and contextual factors. Healthcare providers must continually update their knowledge of legal statutes, technological developments, and cultural sensitivities to provide ethically sound, beneficent care. Through adherence to ethical principles and legal standards, clinicians can effectively promote patient well-being, prevent harm, and uphold the dignity of those they serve.

References

• Bipeta, R. (2019). Legal and ethical aspects of mental health care. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 41(2).
• Mohammad, Q. Q., Mohammed, E. H., Karim, M. H., & Hassan, N. A. (2018). Assessment of Nurses' Knowledge about Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health Nursing at Psychiatric Teaching Hospitals in Baghdad City. DOI: 10.9790/
• Sussman, N., & DeJong, S. M. (2018). Ethical considerations for mental health clinicians working with adolescents in the digital age. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(12), 1-8.
• Zhang-Jiang, S., & Tredwell, S. (2020). Using the beneficence model as an ethical approach to surgical decision making: A case report. British Columbia Medical Journal, 62(10).
• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). (2014). Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with mental disorders.
• Huang, H. M., Sun, F. K., & Lien, Y. F. (2015). Nurse practitioners, medical negligence and crime: A case study. Clinical Nursing Studies, 3(4).
• Adelson, S. L., & Child, T. A. A. (2012). Practice parameters on gay, lesbian, or bisexual sexual orientation, gender nonconformity, and gender discordance in children and adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 51(9).
• Additional scholarly references would be included based on further literature review.