In a short essay (500-750 words), answer the Question at the end of Case Study 1. Cite references to support your positions. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
The ethical dilemma presented in Case Study 1 revolves around the issue of autonomy and informed consent in healthcare. The case involves a 55-year-old patient, Mr. Brown, who has been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. Mr. Brown is informed about the various treatment options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, and active surveillance. The decision of which treatment to pursue ultimately rests with Mr. Brown.
Autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that emphasizes an individual’s right to make decisions about their own health and medical treatment. Informed consent is closely tied to autonomy and requires healthcare providers to provide patients with all relevant information about their condition and treatment options so that they can make an informed decision.
In this case, Mr. Brown expresses a preference for active surveillance rather than surgery or radiation therapy. He states that he is not comfortable with the potential side effects and risks associated with these treatments. However, Mr. Brown’s urologist, Dr. Johnson, strongly believes that surgery or radiation therapy would be the best course of action for Mr. Brown given the aggressiveness of his cancer.
Dr. Johnson argues that active surveillance may not provide the best long-term outcome for Mr. Brown and that surgery or radiation therapy would be more effective in eliminating the cancer. He expresses concerns about Mr. Brown’s ability to fully understand the risks and benefits of each treatment option and questions whether Mr. Brown’s decision is truly informed.
The ethical question at the heart of this case is whether Dr. Johnson should respect Mr. Brown’s autonomy and go along with his decision to pursue active surveillance, or if he should push for surgery or radiation therapy based on his professional judgment of what is best for the patient.
From an ethical standpoint, the principle of autonomy should be respected and upheld. It is crucial to respect the patient’s right to make decisions about their own body and health, even if those decisions may not align with the healthcare provider’s professional opinion. This principle is supported by various ethical guidelines and legal frameworks, including the principle of respect for autonomy outlined in the Belmont Report and the ethical principle of autonomy in the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics.
In this case, Mr. Brown has expressed his preference for active surveillance after being informed about the risks and benefits of each treatment option. As long as Mr. Brown has been provided with accurate and comprehensive information, and he has the capacity to make decisions, his autonomy should be respected. Dr. Johnson should acknowledge and support Mr. Brown’s decision, even if he disagrees with it.
It is important to note that respecting autonomy does not mean abandoning the patient or neglecting their well-being. Dr. Johnson can and should continue to provide support and guidance to Mr. Brown throughout his treatment journey, even if it involves active surveillance. This includes regular monitoring of Mr. Brown’s condition and providing information and support to help him make informed decisions about any potential changes in treatment approach.
In conclusion, the ethical dilemma in Case Study 1 revolves around the tension between autonomy and professional judgment. While Dr. Johnson may disagree with Mr. Brown’s decision to pursue active surveillance, it is important to respect his autonomy and support his decision, as long as he has been provided with accurate and comprehensive information. Respecting autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare that allows individuals to make decisions about their own health and medical treatment.