NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

Name

Capella University

NHS-FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective

Prof. Name

Date

Applying Ethical Principles

Healthcare providers embrace ethical principles as rules and standards to safeguard the safety and integrity of patients. Ethical principles guide how doctors make decisions. Autonomy means patients can decide about their care. Beneficence is about doctors doing what is best for patients. Nonmaleficence means doctors must avoid causing harm. Justice ensures that treatment is fair and equal for everyone (Varkey, 2020). Ethical issues in healthcare arise from complex situations where decisions must be made regarding patient care, informed consent, confidentiality, and treatment. These issues stem from balancing competing interests, values, and principles while prioritizing patient well-being and upholding professional integrity (Char et al., 2020). The assessment aims to underscore how ethical principles guide medical personnel in addressing ethical challenges.

Overview of the Case Study

In this case study, Dr. Leonard Harper, a geneticist at Hillside Medical Center, and Mrs. Clara Bennett, a concerned expectant mother, shed light on ethical dilemmas surrounding prenatal genetic testing. It revolves around the conflict between patient autonomy and the necessity of transparent communication in healthcare. Mrs. Bennett’s request for confidentiality regarding her unborn child suspected of Down Syndrome from her husband. She does not want to share about her unborn child’s condition, which creates an ethical dilemma for Dr. Harper. He confronts the delicate balance between respecting patient autonomy and fostering open dialogue within families. This scenario underscores the significance of patient autonomy, privacy, and ethical decision-making in medical practice.

 Scholarly investigations into the necessity of patient autonomy and transparent communication in genetic medicine illuminate Dr. Leonard Harper’s ethical quandary concerning Mrs. Clara Bennett. Analyzing this case study through the lens of peer-reviewed journal articles provides valuable insights into ethical considerations. According to Dhirani et al. (2023), one pertinent aspect is the significance of patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making, particularly in contexts involving prenatal genetic testing. It aligns with Mrs. Bennett’s desire to have authority over her medical information and treatment decisions. Understanding and respecting the desires of the patients is crucial for trust and collaboration between patients and healthcare providers.

NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

Zaami et al. (2021), delve into the importance of open communication among family members in ethical decision-making processes related to prenatal genetic testing. Their research emphasizes the need for transparent discussions and shared decision-making. It involves disclosing sensitive information to all relevant parties. In the case of Mrs. Bennett, her request for confidentiality from her husband raises ethical concerns about the potential impact on familial relationships and the long-term implications for medical decision-making. Martin et al. (2021), shed light on the unique challenges faced by military families, such as the Bennetts, in navigating healthcare decisions. Psychiatrists need to communicate clearly with patients through informed decision-making. It underscores the need for healthcare professionals like Dr. Harper to respect patients’ autonomy when addressing ethical dilemmas. 

By incorporating insights from these peer-reviewed articles, healthcare workers gain a deeper understanding of the moral dimensions of Dr. Harper’s dilemma. The selected articles provide evidence-based perspectives on patient autonomy, open communication, and family dynamics, which are essential for informing ethical decision-making in healthcare settings (Giannetta et al., 2021). They offer valuable guidance for navigating complex situations like the one presented in this case study. It ensures that ethical principles are upheld while respecting patients’ rights and promoting their well-being (Manesh et al., 2022).

The rationale for choosing these studies lies in their alignment with the CRAAP criteria, which stands for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. This criterion is utilized to assess the credibility and precision of sources (Weiss et al., 2021). These articles provide an in-depth view of the significance of patient autonomy, transparent communication, and trust in genetic healthcare decision-making. They underscore the ethical imperative of honoring individuals’ rights and fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.

Effectiveness of Communication Approaches in the Case Study

 Several approaches have been employed to analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies in the given case study involving Dr. Leonard Harper and Mrs. Clara Bennett. Firstly, the approach of respecting patient autonomy is crucial. Mrs. Bennett’s request to withhold information from her husband stems from her autonomy over her medical decisions. This approach should be upheld as it respects her right to make choices about her healthcare independently (Mula & Estrada, 2020). Dr. Leonard Harper’s practice of maintaining confidentiality and showing empathy toward Mrs. Clara Bennett plays a crucial role in facilitating effective communication (Ferorelli et al., 2020). By establishing a safe space where Mrs. Clara Bennett can freely voice her concerns without fear of judgment or pressure, Dr. Harper acknowledges and respects her autonomy, reflecting a commitment to personalized patient care. However, the case also highlights the importance of open communication in medical settings.

While respecting Mrs. Bennett’s autonomy, Dr. Harper faces a dilemma regarding the potential consequences of withholding information from her husband. Open communication is essential for fostering trust and ensuring that all relevant persons are involved in decision-making (Ferorelli et al., 2020). A more effective approach would include facilitating a transparent discussion between Dr. Harper, Mrs. Bennett, and her husband. This approach promotes shared decision-making and ensures that all parties are informed about the situation. Avoiding unilateral decisions and promoting collaborative discussions help address ethical dilemmas while upholding patient autonomy and fostering trust (Kaper et al., 2019).On the other hand, approaches that prioritize secrecy or unilateral decision-making should be avoided. Keeping crucial medical information from involved parties can lead to misunderstandings, erode trust, and undermine the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship. Respecting patient autonomy is vital. Practical communication approaches should prioritize transparency, collaboration, and shared decision-making to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in healthcare (Ilardo & Speciale, 2020).

Ethical Decision-Making Model 

 The ethical decision-making model consists of moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethical behavior. Initially, individuals must recognize moral and ethical dilemmas, a step Dr. Harper demonstrates in the case study by acknowledging the conflict between patient autonomy and family communication dynamics. Subsequently, moral judgment involves assessing ethical justifications, which Dr. Harper exhibits by organizing a private consultation to understand the patient’s perspective and evaluate moral principles (Zhang et al., 2020). Following moral judgment is ethical behavior, where individuals intend to make ethical decisions. Dr. Harper’s intention to respect the patient’s autonomy by providing comprehensive information about risks and considering the potential consequences for the patient and her family reflects moral awareness. The geneticist’s competency lies in his ability to uphold ethical commitments while mitigating concerns within the medical partnership (Galletta et al., 2022). Effective approaches, like promoting autonomy and communication, can yield positive outcomes for Mrs. Clara, providing her with the confidence to talk about the medical condition of her child to her husband. It encourages healthcare professionals to uphold ethical responsibilities, improving compliance with medical regimens and patient safety (Rabeson et al., 2022).

In contrast, ineffective strategies like paternalism can lead to negative consequences, including decreased patient trust and dissatisfaction with Dr. Leonard. Moreover, breaches of patient confidentiality and communication breakdowns weaken therapeutic alliances, leading to moral distress and reduced job satisfaction among healthcare professionals. Ethical failures can also result in legal repercussions for healthcare systems, affecting judicial and legislative proceedings (Fabricius et al., 2022). 

Resolving the Ethical Dilemma by Applying Ethical Principles

Addressing the situation presented in Dr. Leonard Harper’s case study involving his patient, Mrs. Clara Bennett, offers a pathway to finding solutions by applying ethical principles. The resolution of this case study revolves around three fundamental ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, and transparent communication. The ethical dilemma is effectively managed through the application of these principles, as maintaining trust in the clinical relationship necessitates balancing confidentiality with goodwill, ensuring that benefits are maximized. At the same time, harm is minimized (Barello et al., 2020). Dr. Leonard Harper engages in extensive discussions with Mrs. Clara Bennett, wherein he thoroughly explores the potential consequences of disclosing the results of the genetic test to her husband.

This approach aligns with ethical principles of informed decision-making and autonomy, empowering the patient to make well-informed medical decisions, including whether to share sensitive genetic test results (Yang et al., 2019). Additionally, by fostering open communication with Mrs. Bennett’s husband, Dr. Harper promotes beneficence and autonomy, creating a supportive familial environment conducive to collaborative decision-making regarding their prenatal child’s healthcare (Liu et al., 2020). This proposed solution strikes a balance between individual autonomy and ethical medical practice, prioritizing both patient autonomy and family well-being. This approach enables healthcare professionals to fulfill their professional responsibilities in enhancing patient care while upholding ethical principles and preserving trust in the patient-provider relationship (Nguyen et al., 2019).

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and transparent communication is crucial in navigating complex healthcare dilemmas. By respecting patient autonomy, promoting open communication, and considering the welfare of all involved parties, healthcare professionals can uphold ethical standards while providing optimal care. This approach fosters trust and collaboration and ultimately improves patient outcomes.

References

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Char, D. S., Abràmoff, M. D., & Feudtner, C. (2020). Identifying ethical considerations for machine learning healthcare applications. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(11), 7–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2020.1819469 

Dhirani, L. L., Mukhtiar, N., Chowdhry, B. S., & Newe, T. (2023). Ethical dilemmas and privacy issues in emerging technologies: A sensors review., 23(3), 1151. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031151

Fabricius, P. K., Aharaz, A., Stefánsdóttir, N. T., Houlind, M. B., Steffensen, K. D., Andersen, O., & Kirk, J. W. (2022). Shared Decision making with acutely hospitalized, older poly-medicated patients: A mixed-methods study in an emergency department. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11), 6429. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116429

Ferorelli, D., Mandarelli, G., & Solarino, B. (2020). Ethical challenges in health care policy during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. medicina, 56(12), 691. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56120691

Galletta, M., Piazza, M. F., Meloni, S. L., Chessa, E., Piras, I., Arnetz, J. E., & D’Aloja, E. (2022). Patient involvement in shared decision-making: Do patients rate physicians and nurses differently? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114229

Giannetta, N., Villa, G., Pennestrì, F., Sala, R., Mordacci, R., & Manara, D. F. (2021). Ethical problems and moral distress in primary care: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 7565. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147565

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NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

Kaper, M. S., Winter, A. F. de, Bevilacqua, R., Giammarchi, C., McCusker, A., Sixsmith, J., Koot, J. A. R., & Reijneveld, S. A. (2019). Positive outcomes of a comprehensive health literacy communication training for health professionals in three European countries: A multi-centre pre-post intervention Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(20), 3923. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203923

Liu, H., Crespo, R. G., & Martínez, O. S. (2020). Enhancing privacy and data security across healthcare applications using blockchain and distributed ledger concepts. Healthcare, 8(3), 243. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8030243

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NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

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Zaami, S., Orrico, A., Signore, F., Cavaliere, A. F., Mazzi, M., & Marinelli, E. (2021). Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) associated with non-invasive prenatal testing: Reflections on the evolution of prenatal diagnosis and procreative choices. Genes, 12(2), 204. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12020204

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