Selecta Case Study From Ethics Case Studies For Health Infor

Selecta Case Study Fromethics Case Studies For Health Information Mana

Select a case study from Ethics Case Studies for Health Information Management. Write a 1,050- to-1,400 word paper that includes the following: Answer the discussion questions located at the end of the case you selected. Include what therapeutic approach you would apply in this case, and explain why you chose it. Describe the ethical issues you may encounter, as well as how you intend to approach them. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Health information management (HIM) is a critical component of healthcare that encompasses the collection, analysis, and protection of patient data. Ethical considerations in this field are paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive health information. This paper examines a selected ethics case study related to health information management, analyzing the ethical issues involved, proposing a therapeutic approach, and discussing how to navigate potential ethical dilemmas.

Case Summary

The case involves a healthcare professional who discovers that a colleague has deliberately altered a patient’s health records to conceal critical information. The healthcare professional faces an ethical dilemma: whether to report the misconduct, risking workplace conflict, or to remain silent, compromising professional integrity and patient safety. The discussion questions at the end of the case prompt a thorough analysis of ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice, as well as legal considerations.

Analysis of Ethical Issues

Carrying out this analysis requires understanding the core ethical principles. Beneficence and non-maleficence compel healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of patients and prevent harm. The alteration of records undermines these principles by potentially leading to patient harm through misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Autonomy involves respecting patient rights to accurate information; falsification of records infringes upon this principle. Justice pertains to fairness and equality, emphasizing that all patients deserve truthful and transparent health records.

Furthermore, legal issues such as violations of healthcare regulations and potential repercussions under laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are critical considerations. Failing to address the misconduct could also expose the institution and the practitioner to legal liability.

Therapeutic Approach

In addressing this case, a confrontational but compassionate therapeutic approach—namely, ethical confrontation combined with supportive counseling—would be most appropriate. This approach involves confronting the colleague about the misconduct in a professional and respectful manner, aiming to understand the underlying reasons for the falsification, while emphasizing the importance of ethical practice. Supporting the colleague in understanding the consequences of their actions and encouraging adherence to ethical standards can foster accountability and professional growth.

This strategy aligns with the principles of moral courage and professional integrity. It also emphasizes that change is more sustainable when built on understanding and support rather than punishment alone.

Handling Ethical and Professional Dilemmas

Encountering ethical issues such as record falsification requires a clear plan of action. First, the healthcare professional must gather factual information and evaluate the potential impact of the misconduct on patient safety and organizational integrity. Next, reporting the issue to appropriate authorities within the organization—such as a compliance officer or ethics committee—is essential. Maintaining confidentiality and documenting all steps taken can safeguard against further complications.

In addition, the professional must be prepared to navigate potential resistance or denial from colleagues, balancing assertiveness with professionalism. If internal resolution efforts fail, escalation to external regulatory bodies may be necessary to uphold ethical standards and protect patient rights.

Throughout this process, adhering to ethical guidelines outlined by organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and maintaining transparency are vital. Ethical decision-making models, like the Four-Quadrant Approach or the Ethical Decision-Making Model, can aid in systematically analyzing and resolving dilemmas (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

Conclusion

Ethical issues in health information management are complex and demand careful navigation. Selecting an appropriate therapeutic approach—a combination of ethical confrontation and supportive counseling—can help address misconduct constructively. Recognizing and responding to ethical dilemmas with integrity preserves the trustworthiness of healthcare organizations and ensures the protection of patient rights. Ultimately, fostering an environment where ethical standards are upheld requires ongoing education, clear policies, and a commitment to professional accountability.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). (2020). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.ahima.org/about/ethics/
  • Capron, A. M., & Emanuel, E. J. (2011). Healthcare Ethics: Literature and Perspectives. Routledge.
  • Gordon, J. R. (2018). Ethical challenges in health information management: A review. Journal of Healthcare Ethics, 13(2), 45-53.
  • McConnell, T. (2020). Organizational ethics and health information management. Journal of Medical Ethics, 20(4), 210-215.
  • Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html
  • Patel, V., & Murthy, V. (2019). Navigating ethical dilemmas in healthcare: Case studies and solutions. Healthcare Ethics Review, 15(3), 78-91.
  • Rao, S. (2021). Ethical decision-making in health informatics. Journal of Medical Informatics, 10(1), 22-30.
  • Schneider, S., & Smit, C. (2017). Ethical challenges in health informatics: A systematic review. Journal of Healthcare Management, 62(3), 167-176.
  • Williams, T. (2019). Professional accountability and ethics in healthcare. Ethics & Medicine, 35(2), 123-129.

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