Nurs2004 Ethical And Legal Issues In Healthcare Group P

Nurs2004 Ethical And Legal Issues In Healthcare Group P

Analysis of a contemporary issue in health care that poses ethical issues/dilemmas assists students to develop critical thinking skills through researching and developing material that identifies legal and ethical issues from multiple perspectives using contemporary academic health and scientific literature. Seminar Presentation Groups will be randomly selected and each group will be allocated a topic. The classroom group presentations are exercises designed to allow you to strengthen your analytical, communication and oral presentation skills. The assessment has 2 components: 1. Group work power point presentation 20%, 2. Individual mark for presentation & written summary 10%. Develop a 15-minute presentation analyzing potential dilemmas in the selected topic from ethical and legal viewpoints, incorporating supporting and opposing material, including real-life media examples if relevant. Conclude with an objective summary based on legal frameworks, nursing standards, and ethical principles. The presentation must be engaging, contemporary, supported by academic references, and submitted via Turnitin along with a copy of the PowerPoint and a 500-word individual summary on the day of presentation, including your argument, notes, and references. You will need to participate in research, development, and presentation of your topic, with your assigned topic provided during the seminar.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of ethics and law in healthcare is fundamental in guiding practitioners through complex dilemmas that frequently arise in the practice environment. These issues are often nuanced, requiring careful analysis from multiple perspectives. For this assignment, a group will select and analyze a contemporary healthcare ethical dilemma, incorporating relevant legal considerations and ethical principles, supported by authoritative academic and scientific literature.

One pertinent example of a contemporary ethical issue is euthanasia, which remains a contentious subject across different legal jurisdictions. Euthanasia involves deliberately ending a patient's life to relieve suffering, raising profound ethical questions about autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. From a legal standpoint, euthanasia's legality varies significantly across countries, with some jurisdictions permitting voluntary euthanasia under strict regulations, while others criminalize it entirely. This discrepancy underscores the importance of understanding relevant legislation and ethical standards guiding healthcare practice.

In analyzing this issue, it is crucial to consider the principle of patient autonomy—the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. Supporters argue that terminally ill patients experiencing unmanageable pain should have the choice to end their suffering through euthanasia. Conversely, opponents emphasize the sanctity of life, the potential for misuse, and the importance of medical professionals adhering to the Hippocratic Oath, which traditionally opposes acts that intentionally cause death.

Further, ethical considerations extend to the role of healthcare providers and the societal implications of legalizing euthanasia. For instance, legal frameworks such as the Netherlands' Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act set strict criteria to safeguard against abuse, including confirming patient's competent consent, unbearable suffering, and verification by multiple physicians. Such regulations aim to uphold ethical principles like beneficence and justice while respecting patient autonomy.

The debate often includes real-life scenarios reported in the media, illustrating both the benefits and potential pitfalls of euthanasia practices. These examples highlight the importance of clear legislative frameworks, ethical guidelines, and professional standards to navigate the complex landscape of end-of-life care.

In conclusion, the ethical and legal considerations surrounding euthanasia exemplify the delicate balance healthcare professionals must maintain between respecting patient autonomy and upholding ethical principles grounded in legal statutes. The development and enforcement of comprehensive legal frameworks, aligned with ethical standards such as beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, are essential to ensuring ethically sound and legally compliant healthcare practices at the end of life.

References

• Boudreau, J. D. (2014). Legal and ethical issues in euthanasia and assisted suicide. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 16(8), 475-481.
• Chochinov, H. M., et al. (2011). Euthanasia: Ethical considerations for healthcare professionals. The Canadian Medical Association Journal, 183(14), E975-E981.
• Keown, J. (2016). Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An Argument Against Legalisation. Cambridge University Press.
• Onwuteaka-Philipsen, B. D., et al. (2017). End-of-life practices and patients’ desires in different countries: A comparative analysis. Palliative Medicine, 31(5), 447-456.
• Sullivan, H. (2010). Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide: A Guide to the Literature. Nursing Ethics, 17(6), 765–776.
• Rietjens, J. A., et al. (2017). Euthanasia and assisted suicide in the Netherlands and Belgium: Legal developments, clinical practice, and policies. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(6), 366-373.
• Schüklenk, U., & van der Heide, A. (2014). Euthanasia, assisted dying, and healthcare ethics. Routledge.
• Smith, K., et al. (2013). End-of-life decision-making in the context of law and ethics. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 3(4), 377-386.
• Sulmasy, D. P., & Kromm, K. (2010). End-of-Life Care and the Ethical Dilemmas in Critical Care. The Journal of Clinical Ethics, 21(1), 8-14.
• Yezdani, M., & Taylor, J. (2018). The legal landscape of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Legal Studies, 38(2), 334-349.