06 Mar 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?
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 University 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.
1. Summarize the ethical issue.
2. What is the impact of the ethical issue in health care?
3. What social factors influence the issue and decision?
4. Pick one side of the issue’s argument, and defend it.
5. Include a discussion about the impact of the research on ethical questions surrounding the issue.
6. 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 2 pages in length. Remember that the blog should be in a conversational format but still include supporting evidence and three scholarly 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. Remember to answer all questions.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Ethical issue: End-of-life decision-making
End-of-life decision-making is a complex ethical issue that involves decisions about the care and treatment of patients who are nearing the end of their lives. This includes decisions about withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, and decisions about palliative care and hospice care.
Impact of the ethical issue in healthcare
End-of-life decision-making has a significant impact on healthcare because it involves complex ethical and legal issues. These decisions can be emotionally charged for patients and their families, and can be challenging for healthcare providers to navigate. In addition, end-of-life decisions can have financial implications, as the cost of care and treatment can be high.
Social factors influencing the issue and decision
Social factors that influence end-of-life decision-making include cultural and religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare. These factors can impact the decision-making process, as patients and families may have different values and beliefs about end-of-life care.
Pick one side of the issue’s argument, and defend it
The decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment is a difficult one, but in some cases, it may be the most compassionate and ethical choice. When a patient is suffering from a terminal illness or injury, and there is no hope for recovery or improvement in their condition, continuing life-sustaining treatment may only prolong their suffering. In these cases, it may be more ethical to focus on providing palliative care and hospice care, which can help manage pain and improve quality of life for the patient.
Impact of research on ethical questions surrounding the issue
Research on end-of-life decision-making can help provide insight into the ethical questions surrounding this issue. For example, studies have shown that involving patients and families in decision-making can help improve the quality of end-of-life care. In addition, research on palliative care and hospice care can help healthcare providers better understand how to manage pain and improve quality of life for patients who are nearing the end of their lives.
Additional resources
Here are three articles from the University Online Library that may help provide additional insight into end-of-life decision-making:
“End-of-life decision making in the ICU” by JAMA
“Ethical issues in palliative care nursing” by Nursing Ethics
“Spiritual care at the end-of-life: A systematic review of the literature” by Patient Education and Counseling
