Select Any One Of The Ethics Case Studies

Select any One Of The Cases Given In The Ethics Case Studies For Health

Select any one of the cases given in the Ethics Case Studies for Health Information Management text. Write a 700-to 950-word paper applying the following information: Summarize the situation and identify the ethical dilemma(s). Describe how you, as the Human Services Professional, would approach this ethical dilemma while: · Implementing the least intrusive intervention · Respecting confidentiality · Recognizing the client’s multicultural ethical behavior. This assignment is due Monday by 11:00 a.m. eastern time. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of health information management (HIM), ethical dilemmas frequently emerge due to the sensitive nature of health data and the diverse backgrounds of clients. For this paper, I have chosen a case from the Ethics Case Studies for Health Information Management text that exemplifies the complex interplay between confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making. The case involves a scenario where a healthcare provider unintentionally discovers a client’s sensitive cultural beliefs that conflict with standard medical recommendations, raising significant ethical concerns for the HIM professional.

Summary of the situation and identification of the ethical dilemma

The case centers on a patient, Mrs. A, a middle-aged woman from a culturally diverse background, who has been admitted to a hospital for a chronic illness. During the collection of her health information, the healthcare provider notes that Mrs. A adheres to specific cultural beliefs that influence her healthcare decisions—particularly, her refusal to receive certain medical treatments due to religious or cultural reasons. These beliefs were not apparent initially, but once uncovered through the course of documentation and interactions, the provider faces an ethical dilemma. The primary concern is balancing respect for Mrs. A’s cultural beliefs with the healthcare provider’s obligation to ensure medically appropriate treatment, promoting beneficence while respecting autonomy.

The ethical dilemma lies in whether to prioritize the patient’s autonomy and cultural beliefs, potentially at the expense of optimal medical treatment, or to follow clinical guidelines that might conflict with her cultural values. This situation is further complicated by the possibility that internal hospital policies or legal requirements might influence whether her cultural preferences must be overridden or accommodated. The dilemma exemplifies a fundamental tension in health information management: respecting patient confidentiality and cultural assumptions while ensuring appropriate, equitable, and respectful healthcare provision.

Approach as a Human Services Professional

As a human services professional involved in or collaborating with health information management, my approach to this ethical dilemma would be guided by core ethical principles — respecting autonomy, practicing beneficence, ensuring non-maleficence, and maintaining confidentiality—while being sensitive to the client’s multicultural context.

Implementing the least intrusive intervention

The initial step would involve thorough assessment and communication. I would advocate for a culturally competent approach, which includes engaging with the client in a respectful dialogue to understand the nature of her beliefs and how they influence her healthcare decisions. This aligns with the principle of the least intrusive intervention; any steps to address her healthcare needs would minimize disruption to her cultural practices. For example, I would recommend involving a cultural liaison or interpreter if language barriers exist, to ensure clear and respectful communication.

If she prefers to rely on traditional practices, I would support integrating these with her medical treatment whenever possible, rather than overriding her choices with standard medical protocols. Collaboration with the healthcare team would be essential to develop a care plan that respects her cultural beliefs without compromising her health — such as adjusting treatment plans or seeking alternative therapies compatible with her values.

Respecting confidentiality

Respecting her confidentiality entails ensuring that her cultural beliefs and health information are protected and only disclosed with her explicit consent, in alignment with legal and ethical standards. I would ensure that all documentation clearly distinguishes her cultural preferences and that access to her information is restricted to authorized personnel involved in her care. If concerns arise about the potential for her cultural beliefs to influence her treatment decisions, I would advocate for her right to privacy and confidentiality to be preserved, and any discussions with multidisciplinary teams would occur with her consent and awareness.

Recognizing the client’s multicultural ethical behavior

A critical aspect of my approach involves acknowledging and respecting her multicultural background, which influences her health behaviors and decisions. I would educate the healthcare team about cultural competence and the importance of respecting cultural diversity to foster a respectful and inclusive environment. Recognizing her cultural norms and values provides an opportunity for culturally tailored care that promotes trust and cooperation.

Moreover, I would consider the broader implications of her cultural context, such as potential language barriers, health literacy levels, and cultural perceptions of illness and treatment. Incorporating culturally appropriate education and interventions facilitates better health outcomes and aligns with ethical standards that honor the client’s identity and preferences.

Conclusion

Navigating ethical dilemmas in health information management requires a nuanced understanding of the intersection of confidentiality, cultural respect, and patient autonomy. In the case of Mrs. A, an ethically sound approach involves employing the least intrusive intervention, safeguarding her confidentiality, and integrating her multicultural values into her care. As a human services professional, fostering cultural competence and ethical sensitivity is essential in promoting respectful, equitable, and effective healthcare practices that honor each client’s unique background and needs.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Gert, B. (2014). The definition of ethics. Journal of Medical Ethics, 40(5), 343-347.
  • Johnstone, M. J. (2016). Bioethics: A Nursing Perspective (4th ed.). Elsevier.
  • Lewis, C. A. (2019). Cultural competence in healthcare: A practical guide. Routledge.
  • Park, M., & Hwang, H. (2020). Ethical considerations in multicultural healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Ethics, 12(3), 23-30.
  • UV and ethical aid in health: Maintaining confidentiality and respecting multiculturalism. (2021). International Journal of Health Management, 34(2), 150-160.
  • World Health Organization. (2010). Standards and guidelines for intercultural healthcare. WHO Press.
  • Resnik, D. B. (2015). Ethical principles in healthcare. American Journal of Bioethics, 15(4), 68-75.
  • Truong, M., Paradies, Y., & Priest, N. (2014). Interventions to improve cultural competence in healthcare: A systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 14, 99.
  • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2019). Managing health information ethically. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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