Review 2 cases from the AMA Journal of Ethics (http://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/site/cases.html).
In a 2- to 3-page paper complete the following:
- Identify each case that you have selected. Include the title, the author, the date, and a brief purpose of the case.
- Explain in detail the ethical issue of each case.
- Identify the ethical principle(s) that are relevant in the cases from the 4 basic ethical principles (justice, autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence). Justify in detail why the case applies to the ethical principles you identified.
- Explain from a healthcare professional perspective what you would have done differently in the case, or if you agree with how it was handled, explain your reasoning. This should not be opinion but a supported ethical analysis using evidence-based resources.
You are to support your analysis and views with at least 3 scholarly references (e.g., peer-reviewed journals). 3 page maximum
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The American Medical Association (AMA) Journal of Ethics provides a platform for medical professionals around the world to share and explore various ethical issues that often arise in healthcare settings. This paper aims to analyze two cases from the AMA Journal of Ethics, highlighting the ethical issues, relevant principles, and recommendations for healthcare providers based on evidence-based resources.
1. Case Selection:
The two cases selected for this paper are: “Interprofessional Care and the Patient with Chronic Pain” by Yvonne D’Arcy, and “When Patients Make Threats: Managing Dangerous Situations” by Ryan M. Antiel. The former focuses on interprofessional collaboration in the management of chronic pain, while the latter addresses the ethical and legal implications of managing patients who pose a threat to themselves or others.
2. Ethical Issues:
The ethical issue in the first case is centered on the provision of quality care to patients experiencing chronic pain. The case identifies the challenges that often arise due to the complexity of chronic pain management, including the availability of adequate resources and support systems. In the second case, the ethical issue is how healthcare providers can balance the need to protect patient confidentiality while also ensuring the safety of patients, themselves, and others.
3. Relevant Ethical Principles:
In the case of chronic pain management, the ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence are relevant. Autonomy comes into play when patients are empowered to participate in decision-making processes regarding their care. Non-maleficence focuses on the duty of healthcare providers to do no harm, while beneficence pertains to the responsibility to promote the well-being of patients. In the case of managing patients who pose a threat to themselves or others, the ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice are relevant. Autonomy relates to the ability of patients to make decisions regarding their care, while non-maleficence and beneficence address the duty of healthcare providers to do no harm and promote the well-being of patients. Justice is also relevant in this case as healthcare providers need to balance the needs of the patient with the needs of society at large.
4. Healthcare Professional Perspective:
In the case of chronic pain management, healthcare providers need to engage in interprofessional collaboration to ensure that patients receive quality care that addresses their complex needs. They need to advocate for policies that expand access to resources and support systems that are essential for pain management. In the case of managing patients who pose a threat to themselves or others, healthcare providers need to take an active role in identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them. They need to respect patient confidentiality while also communicating risks to those who are authorized to receive such information. If patients pose an imminent danger, healthcare providers should consider involuntary hospitalization and contact law enforcement authorities as appropriate.
Conclusion:
Ethical issues often arise in healthcare settings, requiring medical professionals to be familiar with various principles and strategies that can help them make informed decisions. By exploring the two cases selected, this paper has highlighted some of the ethical issues, relevant principles, and recommendations for healthcare providers. It is essential for healthcare providers to apply evidence-based resources when analyzing ethical issues and factors that contribute to the provision of quality care to patients.
