19 Sep Whether you are a nurse, a public health professional, a health care administrator, or in another role in the health care field, you must base your decisions on a se
Whether you are a nurse, a public health professional, a health care administrator, or in another role in the health care field, you must base your decisions on a set of ethical principles and values. Your decisions must be fair, equitable, and defensible. Each discipline has established a professional code of ethics to guide ethical behavior. In this assessment, you will practice working through an ethical dilemma as described in a case study. Your practice will help you develop a method for formulating ethical decisions.
Whether you are a nurse, a public health professional, a health care administrator, or in another role in the health care field, you must base your decisions on a set of ethical principles and values. Your decisions must be fair, equitable, and defensible. Each discipline has established a professional code of ethics to guide ethical behavior. In this assessment, you will practice working through an ethical dilemma as described in a case study. Your practice will help you develop a method for formulating ethical decisions.
Instructions
Note: The requirements outlined below correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide. At a minimum, be sure to address each point. In addition, you are encouraged to review the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed.
For this assessment, develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional. In your assessment:
1. Select one of the case studies presented in the Assessment 03 Supplement: Applying Ethical Principles [PDF] Download Assessment 03 Supplement: Applying Ethical Principles [PDF] resource. (attachment 1)
· Note: The case study may not supply all of the information you need. In such cases, you should consider a variety of possibilities and infer potential conclusions. However, please be sure to identify any assumptions or speculations you make.
2. Summarize the facts in the selected case study and use the three components of an ethical decision-making model to analyze an ethical problem or issue and the factors that contributed to it.
· Identify which case study you selected and briefly summarize the facts surrounding it. Identify the problem or issue that presents an ethical dilemma or challenge and describe that dilemma or challenge.
· Identify who is involved or affected by the ethical problem or issue.
· Access the Ethical Decision-Making Model media piece and use the three components of the ethical decision-making model (moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethical behavior) to analyze the ethical issues.
· Apply the three components outlined in the Ethical Decision-Making Model media.
· Analyze the factors that contributed to the ethical problem or issue identified in the case study.
· Describe the factors that contributed to the problem or issue and explain how they contributed.
3. Apply academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to an ethical problem or issue as evidence to support an analysis of the case.
· In addition to the readings provided, use the Capella library to locate at least one academic peer-reviewed journal article relevant to the problem or issue that you can use to support your analysis of the situation. The NHS-FPX4000: Developing a Health Care Perspective Library Guide will help you locate appropriate references. You will select at least one current scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles published during the past 3–5 years that relate to your topic.
· Cite and apply key principles from the journal article as evidence to support your critical thinking and analysis of the ethical problem or issue.
· Review the Think Critically About Source Quality resource.
· Assess the credibility of the information source.
· Assess the relevance of the information source.
4. Discuss the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study.
· Describe how the health care professional in the case study communicated with others.
· Assess instances where the professional communicated effectively or ineffectively.
· Explain which communication approaches should be used and which ones should be avoided.
· Describe the consequences of using effective and non-effective communication approaches.
5. Discuss the effectiveness of the approach used by a professional to deal with problems or issues involving ethical practice in a case study.
· Describe the actions taken in response to the ethical dilemma or issue presented in the case study.
· Summarize how well the professional managed professional responsibilities and priorities to resolve the problem or issue in the case.
· Discuss the key lessons this case provides for health care professionals.
6. Apply ethical principles to a possible solution to an ethical problem or issue described in a case study.
· Describe the proposed solution.
· Discuss how the approach makes this professional more effective or less effective in building relationships across disciplines within his or her organization.
· Discuss how likely it is the proposed solution will foster professional collaboration.
7. Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
· Apply the principles of effective composition.
· Determine the proper application of the rules of grammar and mechanics.
8. Write using APA style for in-text citations, quotes, and references.
· Determine the proper application of APA formatting requirements and scholarly writing standards.
· Integrate information from outside sources into academic writing by appropriately quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, following APA style.
Example Assessment: You may use the following to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like:
· Assessment 3 Example [PDF] Download Assessment 3 Example [PDF] .
Additional Requirements
Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:
· Length: 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference page.
· Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
· APA tutorial: Use the APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] for guidance.
· Written communication: Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
· References: Integrate information from outside sources to include at least two references (the case study and an academic peer-reviewed journal article) and three in-text citations within the paper.
· APA format: Follow current APA guidelines for in-text citation of outside sources in the body of your paper and also on the reference page.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
· Competency 1: Apply information literacy and library research skills to obtain scholarly information in the field of health care.
· Apply academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to an ethical problem or issue as evidence to support an analysis of the case.
· Competency 3: Apply ethical principles and academic standards to the study of health care.
· Summarize the facts in a case study and use the three components of an ethical decision-making model to analyze an ethical problem or issue and the factors that contributed to it.
· Discuss effective communication approaches the provider can use to address the issue in the case study.
· Apply ethical principles to a possible solution to an ethical problem or issue described in a case study.
· Competency 4: Write for a specific audience, in appropriate tone and style, in accordance with Capella's writing standards.
· Discuss the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in a case study.
· Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
· Write following APA style for in-text citations, quotes, and references.
Attachment 1
Assessment 03 – Applying Ethical Principles For this assessment, you will develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional. Before you complete the instructions detailed in the courseroom, first select one of the ethical dilemmas below to be the focus of your assessment. After you have selected one of the ethical dilemmas from below, return to the detailed instructions in the courseroom to complete your assessment. Case Study: Conscientious Objection and Professional Responsibility Nurse Amelia Brooks, a dedicated and experienced nurse at Riverside Medical Center, has always been known for her commitment to patient care. However, she finds herself in a moral quandary when Dr. Rebecca Martin, the leading obstetrician at the center, asks her to assist in an elective abortion procedure for a patient named Sophie Turner, a 24-year-old graduate student. Amelia holds strong personal beliefs against abortion due to her religious upbringing. She feels that participating in the procedure would violate her conscience and deeply held moral convictions. However, she also recognizes her professional responsibility to provide care without discrimination and to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of her patients. The principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of individual choice and freedom. In this context, it applies both to Sophie's right to make decisions about her own body and to Amelia's right to act in line with her personal beliefs. The principle of professional responsibility, on the other hand, underscores Amelia's duty to provide care and uphold the standards of her profession. Balancing these principles is the concept of non-maleficence, which emphasizes the commitment to "do no harm." Amelia grapples with what "harm" means in this context: harm to the patient by potentially denying care or harm to herself by violating her conscience. Case Study: Genetic Testing and Patient Autonomy Dr. Leonard Harper, a seasoned geneticist at Hillside Medical Center, has always been an advocate for patient autonomy. One day, he is approached by Mrs. Clara Bennett, a 38-year-old literature professor, who is expecting her first child. Clara, having heard about the advancements in prenatal genetic testing, wishes to undergo the procedure to determine if her unborn child has any genetic disorders. She's particularly concerned due to her age and a family history of genetic anomalies.
2 After conducting the necessary tests, the results reveal a high likelihood that the child will have Down syndrome. Dr. Harper schedules a private consultation with Clara to discuss the findings. During the meeting, Clara, visibly distressed, makes an unexpected request. She asks Dr. Harper to withhold the results from her husband, Lt. Jack Bennett, a naval officer currently stationed overseas. Clara fears how Jack, who is eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child, might react to the news. She's concerned that it might add undue stress to his already demanding and dangerous job. Dr. Harper finds himself in a profound ethical dilemma. On one hand, he respects Clara's autonomy and her right to decide when and how the information is shared. On the other hand, he believes in the importance of open communication, especially in matters that affect family dynamics and decision-making. He worries about the strain this secret might place on the Bennetts' marriage and the potential implications for future medical decisions regarding the child.
Example of essay
Applying Ethical Principles Learner’s Name Capella University NHS4000: Developing a Health Care Perspective Instructor Name August, 2020
2 Copyright ©2020 Capella University. Copy and distribution of this document are prohibited. Applying Ethical Principles Health care professionals often face ethical problems during their practice that require them to use their moral values and principles when making decisions. The four fundamental principles of health care ethics—autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice—act as yardsticks for fair and ethical decision-making. These ethical principles are widely accepted in the field of health care. Medical practitioners and health care administrators often use these principles to make decisions when faced with complex situations involving patients. Overview of the Case Study Betsy is a dedicated pediatric nurse known for the care and concern she shows her patients. Her neighbor and friend, Alice, lives with her husband and 4-year-old daughter, Shirley. Alice and her husband are followers of Christian Science, a belief that advocates spiritual healing and discourages most types of medical intervention. One day, when visiting Alice and Shirley, Betsy sees Shirley experience what seems like a seizure. The child suddenly becomes unresponsive and has a brief staring spell, with her eyes rolling upward. The episode lasts for 20 seconds, during which she seems completely unaware of her surroundings. While Shirley is having the seizure, Alice sits by her side and prays but takes no other action. Betsy is concerned about the little girl’s condition and probes her friend for details. Alice tells Betsy that Shirley used to have around 15–20 such episodes a day until a few months ago; this has now reduced to about 12. Alice attributes the improvement in Shirley’s health to her prayers and faith. However, this does not help Betsy feel comfortable about Shirley’s condition. She is almost certain that Shirley has epilepsy, which, if not treated on time, could have profound health implications. At the very least, she thinks Alice should have Shirley’s symptoms accurately diagnosed. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Betsy sets up a meeting with Shirley’s parents and Dr. Campbell, director of the neurology department at her hospital. She treats this meeting as
3 Copyright ©2020 Capella University. Copy and distribution of this document are prohibited. an intervention, and both she and Dr. Campbell express their concern for Shirley’s health. They stress on the fact that the improvement in Shirley’s symptoms does not necessarily mean she will be cured. They empathize with Alice and her husband’s reluctance on account of their religious faith but reiterate the importance of getting Shirley’s symptoms diagnosed. To prove their point, they present studies that describe how seizures can be indicative of illnesses such as epilepsy, which could negatively affect her cognition and behavior. Shirley’s parents are grateful that Betsy and Dr. Campbell are concerned about their daughter’s health but remain resolute about going against their faith. They believe that prayer will cure her. Betsy is faced with an ethical dilemma of whether she should respect the parents’ religious beliefs and not intervene in the matter or perform her moral obligation as a health care professional. Analysis of Ethical Issues in the Case Study In the case study, the main factor that led to Betsy’s ethical dilemma is Shirley’s parents’ refusal of medical assistance for their daughter owing to their Christian Science beliefs. When Betsy notices Shirley’s seizures, she thinks it is her duty to make sure Shirley receives medical attention. As she respects the religious faith and belief of Shirley’s parents, she decides to explain the risks that seizures could involve. She also includes Dr. Campbell in the conversation so that he could provide an objective opinion to make them understand the need for medical intervention. However, Shirley’s parents are certain that prayer will cure her seizures. Considering that their attitude could result in serious health implication for Shirley, Betsy is concerned about the little girl receiving appropriate medical attention (Baumrucker, et al., 2017). Using the Ethical Decision-Making Model to Analyze the Case Study The three components of the ethical decision-making model—moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethical behavior—can help analyze the ethical issue outlined in the case study. Whereas moral awareness is knowledge of the existence of an ethical dilemma, moral judgment
4 Copyright ©2020 Capella University. Copy and distribution of this document are prohibited. involves choosing between the right and wrong actions when posed with such a dilemma. Both moral awareness and moral judgment lead to ethical behavior. Ethical behavior is taking the right action to resolve a dilemma. Betsy’s moral awareness is reflected by the fact that she recognizes the circumstances surrounding Shirley’s condition. Her moral judgment is reflected by her decision to try to convince Shirley’s parents to get Shirley medical help because she believed that it was the right thing to do. Betsy’s ethical behavior constitutes the action she takes to resolve the dilemma. This, in turn, depends on her personal judgment and the four principles of health care ethics (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice) she should abide by as a health care professional. Effectiveness of Communication Approaches in the Case Study Listening plays an important role in patient–physician communication. By listening to Alice, Betsy learns of the frequency of Shirley’s seizures and the reduction in their occurrence. She also learns that Alice and her husband believe that this reduction is due to their prayers and faith in Christian Science. Therefore, active listening helps Betsy understand the situation better. Betsy is aware that if she decides to get medical help for Shirley without the consent of Shirley’s parents, she would be violating their right to informed consent and overstepping her boundaries as a health care professional. So, she decides to present them with the information they need to make an informed decision. She maintains an open communication with Shirley’s parents while explaining the impact of seizures on their daughter’s health. She stresses the importance of immediate diagnosis of Shirley’s seizures. Thus, by being respectful of Shirley’s parents’ emotions and providing them with complete information about the problem, Betsy communicates the situation to them in an effective manner. During the discussion with Shirley’s parents, both Betsy and Dr. Campbell are empathetic toward Alice and her husband’s reluctance to get the necessary medical help for their
5 Copyright ©2020 Capella University. Copy and distribution of this document are prohibited. daughter on account of their religious faith. Betsy seems to have involved Dr. Campbell so that he could share his objective expert opinion based on his experience in dealing with patients who have similar symptoms. She probably thought that Shirley’s parents would change their decision if Dr. Campbell reiterated that Shirley could develop severe cognitive problems (such as learning difficulties and memory deficits) or behavioral problems (such as irritability, anxiety, hyperactivity, and mood swings) if her seizures are neglected. However, they were unable to convince Shirley’s parents to get Shirley medically diagnosed. Although Betsy followed a systematic approach while dealing with the issue at hand, it seems to have been ineffective as Shirley’s parents continued to stand by their faith in prayer. However, listening patiently to patients’ problems and showing empathy and genuine care while communicating with them are some lessons that health care professionals can take back from this case study. Resolving the Ethical Dilemma by Applying Ethical Principles The four ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice are often employed to resolve ethical dilemmas related to health care. Autonomy refers to accepting and understanding patients’ values, beneficence refers to acting for the welfare of patients, nonmaleficence refers to not doing harm to the patient, and justice refers to treating patients fairly without bias. The ethical dilemma that Betsy faces in this case involves three of the four basic principles of medical ethics. In the case study, the ethical dilemma is caused by the conflict between the principles of autonomy on the one hand and beneficence and nonmaleficence on the other. Betsy preserves the autonomy of Shirley’s parents by respecting their religious beliefs and not coercing them to get the girl correctly diagnosed. She further ropes in Dr. Campbell to try to explain to them the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis.
6 Copyright ©2020 Capella University. Copy and distribution of this document are prohibited. Approaching Child Protective Services—a social service agency run by the government to counsel and support children and their families and promote child welfare—could be considered by Betsy as an ethical means to resolve the dilemma. As Betsy is obligated to help Shirley get medical care (beneficence) and prevent any harm that might be caused from ignoring her seizures (nonmaleficence), she could seek intervention from Child Protective Services. Although involving Child Protective Services could result in overriding the ethical principle of autonomy, Betsy might have to take this decision keeping Shirley’s best interests in mind (Baumrucker et al., 2017). Conclusion The four principles of health care ethics can be applied by health care professionals to analyze and resolve ethical dilemmas. In the case study, Betsy has to decide between respecting Shirley’s parents’ religious beliefs and performing her moral obligation as a health care professional by helping Shirley seek medical care. The proposed solution involves upholding the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence to resolve Betsy’s ethical dilemma.
7 Copyright ©2020 Capella University. Copy and distribution of this document are prohibited. References Baumrucker, S. J., Easterday, J., Stolick, M., McCall-Burton, M., Adkins, R. W., Winiger, D., & Cook, C. (2017). Ethics roundtable: Parental autonomy and the minor patient. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 34(3), 287–292. http://journals.sagepub.com.library.capella.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/1049909115608812 Capella University (2018). NHS-FP4000 Exemplar Sample Ethical Case Study. Capella Website:
