Ethical Dilemmas
Choose an ethical dilemma in health care to write about that is addressed in Chapter 2 of your textbook. If you want to write about a different ethical dilemma, check with your instructor first. Your initial entry should be 500 to 750 words.
Although you can reference the textbook as a source for background, include at least one scholarly reference and one recent media story and link within the past two years that is related to your topic.
By Day 4, answer the following questions and use the following headings in your initial entry:
Define the ethical dilemma you have chosen.
What are the ethical principles to consider?
What are the legal implications of your ethical dilemma?
Where do you stand on the ethical dilemma? Why?
Sample Solution
Defining the Ethical Dilemma: The Right to Refuse Treatment The ethical dilemma I have chosen is the right to refuse treatment. This is a common issue among health care providers and patients, and it is addressed in Chapter 2 of our textbook. It relates directly to patient autonomy and their rights when it comes to making
decisions about how their healthcare should be managed, especially with regard to end-of-life or life-sustaining treatments. The dilemma centers around whether or not a patient can choose to refuse medical treatment despite the potential risks that may arise from such a decision. For example, if a person suffering from terminal cancer chooses not to pursue further treatments, they are essentially choosing death over continuing medical treatment that may extend their life for some time even though it will likely cause them pain and suffering during that period.
Ethical Principles: Respect for Autonomy vs Beneficence
When considering this ethical dilemma, we must consider two important ethical principles: respect for autonomy and beneficence. Respect for autonomy implies that individuals have the right make autonomous decisions without interference from others; in this case, respect for autonomy translates into allowing people facing difficult choices regarding medical care and end of life issues the freedom to make those decisions based on what feels best for them. On the other hand, beneficence suggests that healthcare professionals should put forth all efforts necessary in order to provide optimal care in line with what would benefit the patient most; thus providing lifesaving treatments regardless of any wishes stated by the individual concerning refusal of such treatments (Lloyd & Taber 2019).
Legal Implications
In many places across Canada and North America laws exist which support respect for an individual’s personal autonomy as well as their ability reject proposed courses of action undertaken by healthcare professionals (NHS 2020). In particular advance directives are widely accepted as legal documents which outline specific wishes related to healthcare should an individual become unable due physical or mental incapacity (Murray 2018). Furthermore policies exist within organizations such as hospitals outlining processes related consent forms whereby individuals can formally state their determined course of action upon being presented with proposals by healthcare personnel regarding potential treatments (Legislation Governing Advanced Care Planning 2020).
Where Do I Stand? Why?
Personally I believe firmly in respecting an individual's right choose whatever course they feel is best following discussions involving all pertinent parties including family members who might be involved in decision making processes related health care options . These conversations surrounding both short term goals versus long term objectives alongside possible outcomes must take place prior any proposed actions are initiated so everyone involved can understand where each party stands throughout process; both legally speaking but also ethically towards creating environments where these conversations occur openly without judgement or pressure either way . Ultimately when considering situations involving someone's quality life coming together various stakeholders allows for stronger unity amongst all involved creating nonjudgmental atmospheres thereby reducing stress levels ensuring nothing has been overlooked .
References
Lloyd J., & Taber C., (2019) “Essentials Of Nursing Law And Ethics” Edinburgh : Elsevier Ltd Murray L.,(2018) “Your Health Matters: Advance Directives” Canadian Patient Safety Institute Legislation Governing Advanced Care Planning.(2020) National Hospice Palliative Care Organization [Online] Retrieved From Http://www.nhpcongress/advance_directive