Reference Fiala A, Mackinnon B. 2018 Ethics Theory And Conte
Referencefiala A Mackinnon B 2018ethics Theory And Contempor
The purpose of Part 1 is to expose you to common keywords and definitions used in the health care industry regarding ethics. Part 1 prepares you to respond to Part 2, therefore it is important to complete Part 1 prior to Part 2.
In Part 2, you will discuss your experiences with ethics, including your ethical values, ethical theories, and an ethical decision you have had to make. It is important to remember that as you share your ethical experiences with your faculty that you do not discuss information and details regarding a company or individual by name that are not public information. Part 1 Complete the Health Care Ethics Matching Exercise. Part 2 Complete the Ethical Decisions matrix. Respond to each section of the matrix using 100 to 150 words.
Paper For Above instruction
Ethical decision-making in healthcare is a complex process that involves evaluating situations through various lenses such as personal values, established ethical theories, and structured problem-solving methodologies. Reflecting on a personal experience where I faced an ethical dilemma illustrates the application of these frameworks and underscores their importance in guiding responsible and morally sound decisions.
Describe an event in which you made an individual ethical decision. Explain the impact of your decision.
During my tenure as a healthcare assistant in a community clinic, I encountered a situation where a patient disclosed information about self-medicating with prescribed medication due to financial constraints, risking overdose. Recognizing the ethical importance of patient safety, I immediately reported the concern to the supervising nurse and ensured the patient received proper counseling and resources for affordable medication. The impact of this decision was significant; it prevented potential harm to the patient and reinforced the trust between patient and provider. It also highlighted the importance of confidentiality, beneficence, and justice in healthcare, demonstrating how timely intervention can positively influence patient outcomes and uphold ethical standards.
Describe your ethical values. Explain how your values impacted your decision.
My core ethical values include compassion, honesty, integrity, and respect for autonomy. Compassion motivated me to act swiftly and empathetically to protect the patient from harm. Honesty and integrity guided me to report the situation transparently and uphold professional standards, even when it was difficult. Respect for autonomy underscored the importance of empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health, which I facilitated by providing information and support. These values collectively influenced my decision to address the patient's self-medication issue proactively, ensuring their safety while respecting their dignity and choices, thereby fostering trust and ethical consistency in my practice.
Identify and explain 2 ethical theories. Explain how these theories would impact your future ethical decisions in healthcare.
Utilitarianism and deontological ethics are two foundational ethical theories relevant to healthcare. Utilitarianism emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number; decisions are evaluated based on their outcomes, prioritizing actions that maximize overall well-being. For example, in resource allocation, I would consider how decisions benefit the majority of patients. Deontological ethics focuses on adherence to moral duties and principles, such as honesty and justice, regardless of outcomes. This approach would guide me to uphold professional obligations and patient rights consistently, even if the outcomes are less favorable. Integrating these theories into my practice ensures that I balance beneficial results with unwavering respect for ethical duties, fostering responsible decision-making in complex healthcare scenarios.
Identify and explain a formal ethical problem-solving methodology. Explain how you could use this formal ethical problem-solving method to positively impact future ethical decisions in healthcare.
The ethical decision-making model by Terry and Rawlins (2020) is a formal methodology that involves steps such as identifying the ethical issue, gathering relevant information, considering ethical principles and criteria, exploring alternative actions, and making a decision that aligns with ethical standards. Using this structured approach allows for systematic evaluation of complex dilemmas, ensuring that decisions are well-reasoned and ethically justified. I plan to apply this methodology consistently in future situations by thoroughly analyzing each aspect of an ethical dilemma, consulting relevant guidelines or laws, and involving colleagues when appropriate. This process promotes transparency, accountability, and morally sound decisions that respect patient rights and uphold professional integrity, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and ethical compliance in my practice.
References
- Fiala, A., & MacKinnon, B. (2018). Ethics: Theory and contemporary issues (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
- Terry, A., & Rawlins, G. (2020). Ethical decision-making models in healthcare. Journal of Health Ethics, 15(2), 45–59.
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Singer, P. (2011). Practical ethics. Cambridge University Press.
- Skeem, J. L., & Stanley, R. M. (2019). Applying ethical theories in mental health practice. Ethics & Behavior, 29(4), 285–299.
- Hoffman, F. L. (2017). Ethics in healthcare: A practical guide. American Journal of Nursing, 117(1), 34–41.
- United States Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Ethical principles in healthcare. https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare-ethics/index.html
- Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. (2019). Code of conduct for nurses. https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Professional-standards.aspx
- British Medical Association. (2020). Medical ethics manual. https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/ethics/medical-ethics-manual
- American Medical Association. (2022). Code of medical ethics. https://www.ama-assn.org/about/leadership/code-medical-ethics