Discussion Question:
Describe two historical events that have influenced the development of ethical codes and regulations for nursing and healthcare research. Explain how each event has impacted ethical codes and regulations.
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Assignment:
Ethics and Evidence-Based Research
Write a 1250-1500 word essay addressing each of the following points/questions. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. There should be three main sections, one for each bullet below. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least two (2) sources using citations in your essay. Make sure to cite using the APA writing style for the essay. The cover page and reference page in correct APA do not count towards the minimum word amount. Review the rubric criteria for this assignment.
Part 1: Describe why ethical safeguards designed for clinical research may not be feasible or appropriate for evidence-based practice or evidence-based practice implementation projects.
Part 2: Review the sectioned headed, Two Ethical Exemplars in Chapter 22 of the textbook (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2015, pages 518-519). Discuss three main ethical controversies related to implementing Evidence-Based Quality Improvement (EBQI) Initiatives. Describe how these controversies relate to the four core ethical principles.
Part 3: Identify which ethical principles may be in conflict with the concept of “patients having an ethical responsibility in improving healthcare.” Discuss how these conflicts may be resolved.
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 1250 – 1500 wordsStructure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of two (2) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Ethical codes and regulations are crucial elements within the medical profession that guide healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and respect for their rights. Historical events have significantly impacted the development of ethical codes and regulations, both for nursing and healthcare research. This paper will describe two historical events, their influence on ethical codes and regulations, and ethical controversies related to implementing evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiatives.
Historical Events:
The first historical event that impacted the development of ethical codes and regulations was the Tuskegee Syphilis study. This study was conducted between 1932 and 1972 and involved the unethical treatment of 600 African American men, who were not informed of their disease or the purpose of the study. The study’s primary aim was to observe untreated syphilis, which led to severe health complications for the participants. This study led to the development of the National Research Act of 1974, which established the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and mandated informed consent and protection of human subjects in research.
The second historical event was the Nuremberg Trials, which were held after the Second World War in 1947. These trials were conducted to prosecute Nazi doctors who conducted medical experiments on prisoners without their consent, leading to severe harm and death. The outcome of the trials was the Nuremberg Code, which outlined ethical principles for clinical research, including the need for informed consent, beneficence, and respect for persons.
Impact on Ethical Codes and Regulations:
Both the Tuskegee Syphilis study and the Nuremberg Trials have led to the establishment of ethical principles in healthcare, including the protection of human subjects and informed consent. The National Research Act, IRB, and Nuremberg Code have provided a framework for the ethical conduct of research and its regulation. The impact of these historical events is evident in the ethical principles guiding healthcare practice today.
Ethical Controversies related to Implementing EBQI Initiatives:
The first ethical controversy is related to confidentiality and privacy, which is a fundamental ethical principle. In implementing an EBQI initiative, patient data must be accessed and shared with healthcare providers. This raises concerns about patient privacy, data security, and confidentiality.
The second ethical controversy is related to the concept of justice, where healthcare providers may not have access to adequate resources, resulting in disparities in care. The implementation of an EBQI initiative may not be feasible for healthcare providers with limited resources, raising concerns about justice and equal access to healthcare.
The third ethical controversy is related to autonomy, where patients may not have the autonomy to participate in the EBQI initiative. Patients may not have the capacity or confidence to engage in these initiatives, compromising their autonomy.
Resolution of Conflicts:
The ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, and justice may conflict with the concept of “patients having an ethical responsibility in improving healthcare.” These conflicts can be resolved by ensuring that patients are informed of their rights and the purpose of the initiative, obtaining informed consent, and addressing disparities in access to care.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, historical events continue to influence the development of ethical codes and regulations in nursing and healthcare research. The Tuskegee Syphilis study and the Nuremberg Trials have played a critical role in shaping ethical principles and regulations that guide healthcare practice today. Ethical controversies related to implementing EBQI initiatives include confidentiality and privacy, justice, and autonomy. It is essential to ensure that patient rights are protected while implementing EBQI initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes.
