¶ … Patient Autonomy
The concept of patient autonomy, as opposed to medial paternity, is one that has gained much ground in recent years; "... about 30 years ago, issues began to appear that were difficult to solve using traditional ethics. New medical and reproductive technologies, research controversies, and a societal ethos that questioned all authority posed difficult questions." (Czaplyski, Larry, 2002)
At issue in this paper is the meaning and significance of patient autonomy and the way in which is relates to medical paternity. As the discussion will outline, the case for patient autonomy is not only ethically valid but also essential for the moral and practical balance in the medical profession. Underlying this view is the fact that the issue of patient autonomy does not exist in isolation or in the medical field alone - but relates to other issues and ethical problems in the society at large. These larger issues refer to various forms of control and authoritarianism which act against personal liberty and freedom.
The argument will centre on two imperatives. Firstly, that patient autonomy is an inalienable right and is ethically related to freedom of choice and freedom of speech. The second reason for upholding patient autonomy focuses on the fact that the practice of modern medicine has tended to become increasingly more clinical and mechanical and imposes itself on the patient through the force and status of science. This has resulted in an unhealthy patient-doctor relationship and the distancing of the patient and medical practitioner. In this respect patient autonomy is seen as not only ethically valid but as a necessary counterweight to achieve an open and balanced relationship between the patient and the health practitioner.
The concept of and motivation for patient autonomy is best understood by understanding the meaning of the term medical paternity. Paternity is a concept that is allied to a wider and predominantly contemporary problem, namely the world wide reaction against forms of control and dominance from persons, associations or groups that are not transparent and open in their dealings. The term paternalism carries with it many loaded meanings based on restriction and control, particularly...
Johnson & Potter’s (n.d.) case study “Walking the Tightrope” demonstrates how different ethical obligations like patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence often conflict during delivery of care. Pain management is especially difficult, given the problematic side effects and potential for abuse of some pain management interventions. The patient in the case in question has been described as a “complainer,” but there is no indication of dementia (Johnson & Potter, n.d.). Therefore,
.....nurse assigned to care for this patient, I would strongly advocate on behalf of the patient's autonomy. The clash between patient autonomy and the healthcare system and its representatives like nurses can only be resolved by being honest in this situation. The patient is under a high degree of stress, not only because of his health condition and the fear that brings out in him, but due to other stressful
The Dax Cowart CaseAs a physician, I would say that it is essential to prioritize the autonomy and dignity of the patient. It is also important to respect the patient\\\'s wishes and goals for their medical care.If Dax expressed his wish to refuse further medical treatment and to be allowed to die, as a physician, I would first attempt to understand his reasons and provide him with support, empathy, and
Ethics in Healthcare Settings Thinking as health care practitioners, in your opinion should Mr. Speaker's autonomy as a person had taken precedence over the CDC's desire to enforce public health law? Explain you answer. It has not been prioritized over the desire of the CDC to implement public health law. There exist other good reasons for valuing the autonomy of patients. Patients that are aware of their condition and have an understanding
This step would also require an assessment of the various "what-if" outcomes that might result from sharing the genetic information with the mother only, both the mother and the father, or neither of them. Step Four Based on the foregoing considerations, the physician would appear to have an ethical responsibility to share his discovery with the mother, but the decision to share this information with the father should be at the
3). How does a caregiver justify making decisions such as those mentioned above, decisions that are based on the caregiver's values and beliefs? Harris is very clear in this regard that these issues are both moral and philosophical, and the real problem is in how the issues are resolved and based on what standards and morals. It's not merely about understanding the "natural of moral problems," John Harris explains (p.
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