Ethics Around the Globe: Project
for Health Care students
Review
the scenario below. Throughout the course, you will be referring to this
scenario, coming up with an appropriate solution, and reflecting on your
thinking process.
Your |
Part 1:
In such
serious situations it is important to have a good foundation for your
perspective. Consider the patient’s decision to refuse the treatment and
respond to the following:
1. Define the problem
using your own words.
2. What do you think
someone following Kant’s moral perspective would say about the patient’s
decision?
3. How do you feel about
this patient’s decision? Should patients have the right to refuse reasonable
treatment?
Your
assignment should be 1-2 pages and in APA format.
Part 2:
In the
first part of this project you defined the problem outlined in the scenario.
Now you will consider possible solutions based on different ethical
perspectives.
1. What would someone do
from the perspective of Aristotle’s virtue based ethics? Explain why.
2. What would someone do
from the Buddhist ethical perspective? Explain why.
3. What would you do in
this situation? Why?
Your
assignment should be 1-2 pages in APA format.
Part 3:
In
providing healthcare to individuals you will encounter many different
perspectives and some you will disagree with. Specifically, you will encounter
patients and their family members who will have different opinions about what
they should to for their own or a loved one’s wellbeing.
1. Consider the idea of
pluralism. How would you balance your own belief in what was good for the
patient with his or her own wishes?
2. Reflect on your
responses in the previous parts of this project and the other theories covered
in this course. Of all of the theories covered in the course which one most
closely matches your own ethical perspective on this issue? Explain your
stance.
3. Now, consider a new
patient. This patient is being treated for a life threatening illness. The patient’s
family wishes that treatment be stopped. But, you feel that the patient has a
chance of recovery if treatment continues. What would you do? Use the theory
you chose in response to the previous question to respond/frame your response
to this question.
Your responses to these
questions should total 3-4 pages and be in APA format.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The scenario given involves a patient in her 80s who is in kidney failure and requires hemodialysis, which goes against her religious beliefs. We need to analyze this scenario from different ethical perspectives and provide solutions.
Part 1:
1. The patient is in kidney failure but refuses treatment as it goes against her religious beliefs. This creates a dilemma as without treatment, she may die, and with it, she can expect to live a relatively normal life.
2. Someone following Kant’s moral perspective would object to the patient’s decision to refuse treatment as Kantian ethics are categorical, and it would not be morally right to sacrifice one’s life.
3. In my opinion, patients should have the right to refuse reasonable treatment as they are autonomous beings and have the right to make decisions about their health. However, we need to ensure they are well-informed about the consequences of their decision.
Part 2:
1. Someone following Aristotle’s virtue-based ethics would choose the path that leads to the patient’s well-being. Thus, they would encourage treatment for the patient’s betterment.
2. A Buddhist ethical perspective would prioritize compassion and encourage harmony and avoiding harm to all. Thus, they would allow the patient to refuse treatment if it means that they would avoid harming the patient’s religious beliefs.
3. In this situation, I would consult with the patient, explain the risks and benefits of the treatment, and make sure the patient fully understands the decision they are making. If they still refuse treatment, I would respect their decision and try to provide alternative forms of treatment.
Part 3:
1. In cases where the patient and their family members hold different opinions, I would balance my belief in what is good for the patient with their wishes by having a conversation with both parties, listening to their perspectives, and finding common ground.
2. Of all the theories covered in this course, the one that closely matches my ethical perspective on this issue is the principle of informed consent, which emphasizes the right of patients to make decisions about their health care.
3. In this situation, I would engage in dialogue with the family to try and understand their reasons for wanting the treatment to stop. I would then explain the risks and benefits of continuing treatment and try to reach a decision that respects the wishes of both the patient and the family. Ultimately, I would prioritize the principle of informed consent where the patient’s wishes are respected.
In conclusion, dealing with ethical issues is a crucial part of providing healthcare. Being aware of different perspectives and balancing the patient’s right to autonomy with their well-being is critical in ensuring excellent patient care.
