Unit II Scholarly Activity
Instructions
Blog
Have you ever known someone who has dealt with a potentially ethical issue in health care such as end-of-life decision-making, in vitro fertilization, religion, long-term care decisions, or other issues? Did it cause you to want to conduct further research on how to help him or her or to better understand his or her situation? Maybe you have personally experienced such a condition.
Begin to research articles in the CSU Online Library that might help you better understand the condition of this individual, or research an ethical medical dilemma of your choice. Research articles that may help explain some insight into the issue. Locate at least three articles that are no more than 10 pages in length that might arm you with information to help this individual.
Now, imagine that you are the author of a blog. You do not want to identify your friend, but you know he or she reads your blog, so you begin to write a special entry for your friend without identifying him or her. In the blog, address each of the prompts below.
- Summarize the ethical issue.
- What is the impact of the ethical issue in health care?
- What social factors influence the issue and decision?
- Pick one side of the issue’s argument, and defend it.
- Include a discussion about the impact of the research on ethical questions surrounding the issue.
- What additional resources can you offer/mention in the blog?
Note: Keep in mind that you will want to keep the name of the individual confidential. If you would like to use this person in your blog, please use an alias (fake name) for this individual.Your blog post must be at least 500 words in length. Remember that the blog should be in a conversational format but still include supporting evidence and references to clarify ideas and your thoughts. Be sure to explain any technical terms, as this would be for the whole community to view, including those unfamiliar with your chosen topic.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Ethical issues in healthcare are a critical aspect of the medical profession, and it is essential for medical professionals to be well-equipped to handle such situations. As a medical professor, one of our duties involves designing and conducting lectures that teach students about ethical issues in healthcare. In this unit’s scholarly activity, we will be discussing ethical medical dilemmas, and how to research and understand these issues to help those currently going through a similar situation.
Summary of the Ethical Issue:
End-of-life decision-making is an ethical dilemma that affects healthcare providers and families alike. The decision to end life support of a loved one is not easy, and it requires careful consideration of the individual’s wishes, medical condition, values, and beliefs. The ethical issue at hand is whether to continue life support on a loved one or not.
Impact of the Ethical Issue in Healthcare:
The ethical issue of end-of-life decision-making has a significant impact on healthcare. It can be emotionally, physically and financially draining for families, and it can also impact healthcare providers who are responsible for making the decision. This ethical issue also impacts the reputation of medical professionals and hospitals by highlighting the need for proper communication between patients and medical staff, and the importance of respecting patient autonomy.
Social Factors Influencing the Issue and Decision:
Several social factors influence end-of-life decision-making, including religious beliefs, cultural traditions, family dynamics, personal values, and medical circumstances. Family dynamics and cultural traditions can impact the decision to continue or discontinue life support. In some cultures, it is believed that discontinuing life support is equivalent to taking a life, and this can complicate the decision-making process.
Taking One Side of the Issue’s Argument and Defending it:
In this ethical dilemma, I am of the opinion that patients have the right to choose when to end life support. Ideally, patients should be allowed to make their end-of-life decisions while they still have the mental capacity to do so. However, in situations where the patient is incapable of making such decisions, then the family must take the initiative to ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected.
Impact of Research on Ethical Questions Surrounding the Issue:
Research on end-of-life decision-making can help medical professionals better understand this ethical dilemma and provide appropriate support for families and patients. Furthermore, research on this subject can lead to the development of guidelines and protocols that will ensure that all stakeholders involved in end-of-life decision-making are fully supported and informed.
Additional Resources to Mention in the Blog:
Other resources that may offer support to families and healthcare providers dealing with end-of-life decision-making include hospice care, bereavement counseling, and psychological evaluation. These resources can be useful in helping patients and families navigate the complexities of end-of-life decision-making and cope with the emotional and psychological impact of such decisions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ethical dilemmas like end-of-life decision-making require careful consideration and understanding from medical professionals. It is essential for medical students to recognize these ethical issues, learn about them, and research further to better understand and support families and patients going through the ordeal. Using the resources available and having open communication with patients, their families, and fellow medical staff can help medical professionals manage these situations effectively while respecting the patient’s dignity and autonomy.
