Select 1 Ethical Case Using The 6 Steps For Mak

Select 1 Ethical Case Utilizing The 6 Stepssteps For Mak

Identify the ethical issue or problem. List the facts most relevant to the decision. Identify anyone affected and how. Explain what each affected person would want you to do. List three alternative actions with their best and worst case scenarios, harmed parties, and potential ethical or legal issues. Determine a course of action.

Paper For Above instruction

The ethical dilemma presented in this case involves Dr. Smith's response to a critical consultation letter from a specialist criticizing her care of a patient. The core issues include professional reputation, patient care or safety, collegial relationships, and adherence to the medical code of ethics. Dr. Smith was disheartened by the unprofessional critique but chose to disregard it because she believed it was based on incomplete information. Subsequently, her patient became distressed after hearing negative comments from the specialist, implicating Dr. Smith’s competence and potentially affecting her reputation and her relationship with the patient.

This case raises multiple ethical considerations. The primary issue is whether Dr. Smith should report the specialist’s unprofessional conduct or address the criticism differently. The relevant facts include that the specialist’s letter was critical but potentially inaccurate or based on incomplete information. The patient’s well-being was affected by the communication, especially when negative comments influenced her perception and emotional state. Additionally, Dr. Smith’s decision to disregard the letter to protect her reputation conflicted with the ethical obligation to address unprofessional conduct when it impacts patient care or professional integrity.

Those affected by Dr. Smith’s decision include her, the patient, the specialist, and potentially other colleagues or authority figures in her practice. The patient’s primary concern is receiving competent, respectful care and accurate information about her health. Dr. Smith wants her reputation to be protected and her professional integrity maintained. The specialist might be motivated by professional standards or personal motives, which could influence how they communicate critically, whether justifiably or unjustifiably. The other colleagues or authority figures rely on ethical reporting of unprofessional conduct to uphold standards, which influences the broader professional environment.

If Dr. Smith reports the specialist, positive outcomes could include addressing unprofessional behavior, safeguarding patient safety, and upholding ethical standards, though it might strain collegial relationships. Conversely, not reporting could preserve relationships but risk tolerating unprofessional conduct, possibly undermining trust in the healthcare environment. Alternative actions could be: (1) report the specialist to appropriate authorities, (2) discuss the issue directly with the specialist to clarify and resolve the critique, or (3) address the issue openly with the patient and seek to repair any damage to her trust. Each option carries ethical implications and potential consequences, including harm to professional reputation, patient trust, or collegial relationships.

The best course of action may be for Dr. Smith to address the issue directly with the specialist first, seeking clarification or correction. If unresolved or if the conduct is egregious, then reporting to the appropriate authority would be justified to uphold professionalism and protect patient safety. This approach balances respect for collegial relationships with ethical responsibilities to report unprofessional conduct, aligning with the principles outlined in the medical code of ethics. Ultimately, Dr. Smith should prioritize patient welfare and maintain integrity in her professional relationships.

References

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