Rights and ethics are often flipsides of the same coin. If individual rights in healthcare are derived from one or more ethical principles, they help to achieve an acceptable outcome for the patient and the healthcare system. Because individuals’ rights and access to healthcare influence the decision making related to policies and laws, it is essential to understand and address them. Similarly, it is equally important to understand and incorporate ethical practices in healthcare, because these practices impact stakeholders in healthcare.
In this discussion, you will compare and contrast the healthcare rights and needs of individuals with the rights and needs of public health systems, as well as explain the impact of ethics and the need to understand an individual’s right and access to healthcare when making health policy decisions. This discussion will also help to prepare you to complete Project Two.
In your initial post, share your perspective on the following prompts. Use either a utilitarian or a deontological ethical framework to support your perspective:
- Describe whether you believe healthcare is a right or a privilege.
- Describe how your view addresses the rights and needs of individuals versus the rights and needs of public health systems.
- Describe the need to understand individuals’ rights and access in health policy decisions.
- Describe how your chosen ethical model impacts stakeholders’ influence on health policy decisions.
Overview
In your professional experience, you often have conversations with peers that require factual backing or times when you want to research specific information. Because of this, it is useful to practice effectively communicating on industry-relevant topics and sharing your sources.
Discussions provide you an opportunity for scholarly inquiry, reflective practice, and learning through others’ perspectives. They are also an opportunity for social connection with meaningful interactions. You will be able to build a community of practice that follows appropriate etiquette with all posts while increasing your knowledge and clinical reasoning. Discussion posts should be substantive in nature, demonstrating depth and critical thinking.
Directions
For each discussion, you must create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.
For your initial post, do the following:
- Write a post of 1 to 2 paragraphs.
- In Module One, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
- In Modules Two through Ten, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
- Your post must include at least one citation from a credible, current source (within the last five years). Use proper citation methods for your discipline when referencing scholarly or popular sources.
How to solve
IHP 610 Southern New Hampshire University Ethics in The Healthcare System Discussion
Introduction:
In the field of healthcare, the concept of rights and ethics plays a crucial role in shaping policies, decision-making, and patient care. Understanding the rights and needs of individuals, as well as the rights and needs of public health systems, is essential in creating a balanced and effective healthcare system. Furthermore, incorporating ethical principles in healthcare practices is vital for ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders involved. This discussion will explore the perspectives on healthcare as a right or a privilege, the impact of understanding individuals’ rights and access in health policy decisions, and the influence of different ethical models on stakeholders’ involvement in shaping health policy decisions.
1. Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
In my view, healthcare is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all individuals. The utilitarian ethical framework supports this perspective by emphasizing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Providing healthcare as a right ensures that essential medical services are available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Accessible healthcare promotes societal well-being, reduces health disparities, and fosters a healthier population. By treating healthcare as a right rather than a privilege, individuals are guaranteed the necessary care to live a dignified and healthy life.
2. Addressing the rights and needs of individuals vs. public health systems:
Recognizing healthcare as a right entails addressing the rights and needs of both individuals and public health systems. Individuals have a right to receive appropriate medical services without financial barriers, ensuring their well-being and quality of life. On the other hand, public health systems need to ensure equitable distribution of resources, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability to meet the needs of the entire population. Balancing these rights and needs requires effective coordination, allocation of resources, and policies that prioritize both individual and public health interests.
3. Understanding individuals’ rights and access in health policy decisions:
Understanding individuals’ rights and access to healthcare is paramount when making health policy decisions. By considering the rights of individuals, policymakers can develop policies that prioritize equitable access, affordability, and quality of care. Recognizing the barriers faced by certain populations can guide policymakers in designing interventions that address healthcare disparities and promote equal opportunities for all. Moreover, understanding individuals’ rights helps promote patient autonomy, informed decision-making, and respect for their values and preferences.
4. Impact of chosen ethical model on stakeholders’ influence on health policy decisions:
The chosen ethical model, in this case, the utilitarian framework, can have a significant impact on stakeholders’ influence on health policy decisions. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall societal well-being and may involve prioritizing public health interests over individual preferences or certain stakeholders’ interests. This may influence stakeholders to advocate for policies that maximize the greatest good for the greatest number of people, even if it means compromising some individual rights or preferences. However, it is important to engage in ethical deliberation and consider the potential consequences and trade-offs associated with different policy decisions to ensure the fair and just allocation of resources and benefits.
In conclusion, healthcare as a right is an essential consideration in healthcare policy and decision-making. Understanding and addressing the rights and needs of individuals and public health systems are crucial for creating a balanced and effective healthcare system. Incorporating ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism, allows for the consideration of the greater good while recognizing the importance of individual rights and access to healthcare. By engaging in informed discussions and incorporating ethical principles, stakeholders can collectively contribute to shaping health policy decisions that promote the well-being of individuals and communities.
