BUS FPX 4121 Assessment 5 Ethics and Patient-Centered Care

Student Name

Capella University

BUS-FPX4121 Ethics in Health Care Management

Prof. Name:

Date

Executive Summary

The recent incident at Brookside Hospital has highlighted critical ethical concerns regarding patient care, which require immediate attention from healthcare administrators. This report outlines the key ethical dilemmas arising from the case, the ethical principles involved, the organizational factors that influence decision-making, evidence-based strategies to resolve the dilemmas, and the essential role of personal moral integrity in ensuring ethical decisions in healthcare settings. Addressing these concerns is crucial for maintaining the integrity of patient care and fostering trust within healthcare institutions.

Ethical Dilemmas

The incident at Brookside Hospital presents several ethical dilemmas that need to be carefully considered. These dilemmas include questions about adherence to hospital policies, the process of acquiring patient medical records, ensuring the quality of care, and respecting the legal rights of patients. Additionally, fulfilling staff responsibilities while navigating these complex ethical issues presents a significant challenge. The resolution of these dilemmas requires careful consideration of both legal and ethical standards in the context of patient care.

Ethical Principles

Decision-making in this case is guided by four primary ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Autonomy was compromised when the patient’s legal advocate was not involved in the decision-making process, which may have disregarded the patient’s rights. Beneficence was upheld by efforts to preserve the patient’s life, yet this was at odds with the patient’s personal wishes. Non-maleficence became a significant concern, as there were conflicting views regarding the use of life support and whether it was causing harm or providing benefit. Finally, justice demands that the patient’s preferences be honored, ensuring they receive respectful and dignified care in accordance with their wishes and legal rights.

Organizational Factors

Both internal and external factors contribute to the ethical dilemmas in this case. Internal factors include staff conduct, adherence to established hospital policies, and the organizational culture surrounding decision-making processes. External factors encompass the legal obligations regarding patient care, including the importance of respecting patient directives, such as advance healthcare directives or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. To address these factors effectively, the hospital must adhere to its code of ethics and ensure clear and consistent communication among all involved parties.

Evidence-Based Strategies

Several evidence-based strategies can guide the resolution of ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings. These include considering the potential consequences of decisions, following established protocols, involving all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process, and seeking guidance from ethicists when necessary. By utilizing evidence-based practices, healthcare administrators can promote transparency in decision-making, ensure patient-centered care, and uphold ethical standards. These strategies help ensure that patient care remains consistent with both clinical best practices and ethical guidelines.

Personal Moral Integrity Guides

Personal moral integrity plays a central role in guiding healthcare leaders through ethical challenges. Upholding high standards of honesty, professionalism, and moral integrity fosters trust within the healthcare team and with patients. For administrators and healthcare professionals, making decisions based on strong moral principles ensures that actions are aligned with both ethical and legal standards. Additionally, it is essential to consider the long-term consequences of decisions, both for the patient and for the healthcare institution.

Conclusion

Addressing the ethical dilemmas that arise in patient care requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating organizational policies, ethical principles, evidence-based strategies, and personal integrity. By prioritizing patient-centered care and adhering to ethical conduct, healthcare facilities can maintain their mission of providing high-quality, respectful, and compassionate care. This approach fosters trust within the community and ensures that patients’ rights are consistently respected and upheld.

References

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