Cultural Competence in Ethical Decision Making Read chapter 14 of the class textbook and review the attached PowerPoint presentation. Once done, please present an essay on health care inequity and how a moral philosophy affects the decision making of nurses. Make sure that the essay includes the following; As stated in the syllabus present your assignment in an . A minimum of 3 evidence-based references besides the class textbook no older than . 700 words except first page and references.
Health care inequity is a significant issue that affects individuals in various communities. It is essential to examine how moral philosophy influences the decision-making process of nurses when dealing with this problem. Nurses face ethical dilemmas regularly, and understanding their moral philosophy can help in creating a more equitable healthcare system.
Moral philosophy provides a framework for nurses to make decisions that are morally sound and in line with their values and principles. Nurses are guided by ethical codes and standards that emphasize the promotion of patient well-being, respect for autonomy, and justice. A nurse’s moral philosophy can shape their understanding of health care inequity and guide their decisions on how to address it.
The utilitarian moral philosophy considers actions as morally right if they result in the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. In the context of health care inequity, nurses with a utilitarian philosophy would focus on minimizing overall harm and maximizing the well-being of all individuals. They might advocate for policies and interventions that address the root causes of health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare resources for all individuals. For example, a nurse with a utilitarian philosophy might support policies that promote affordable healthcare and reduce disparities in access.
On the other hand, nurses with a deontological moral philosophy emphasizes the duty and obligation to follow moral principles, regardless of the consequences. From this perspective, nurses would prioritize the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status. They would advocate for equal access to healthcare resources and work towards eliminating health care inequity. For instance, a nurse with a deontological philosophy might speak out against discriminatory practices within the healthcare system and strive to promote fairness and justice.
Furthermore, the virtue ethics moral philosophy focuses on developing and practicing virtues such as compassion, honesty, and integrity. Nurses with a virtue ethics perspective would prioritize building relationships with individuals and communities and consider the impact of health care inequity on their well-being. They may engage in community outreach programs, collaborate with other professionals, and advocate for policies that improve access to healthcare for marginalized populations. For example, a nurse with a virtue ethics philosophy might work towards reducing health care inequity by emphasizing patient-centered care and actively listening to the needs and concerns of marginalized communities.
In addition to moral philosophy, cultural competence plays a crucial role in the decision-making process of nurses when addressing health care inequity. Cultural competence refers to the ability to understand and respect the beliefs, values, and practices of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is essential for nurses to be culturally competent when addressing health care inequity as it allows them to provide person-centered care and tackle the underlying cultural barriers that contribute to disparities in health outcomes.
Cultural competence enables nurses to recognize and address the unique healthcare needs of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. It helps them to identify and challenge the biases and stereotypes that may lead to unequal treatment. For example, a nurse who is culturally competent may consider a patient’s cultural beliefs and practices when creating a treatment plan, ensuring that it is respectful and appropriate.
Furthermore, cultural competence enables nurses to advocate for changes within the healthcare system to address health care inequity. By understanding the cultural factors that contribute to disparities, nurses can work towards implementing policies and practices that promote a more equitable healthcare system. They can collaborate with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds to develop strategies that address the specific needs of marginalized communities.
In conclusion, a nurse’s moral philosophy and cultural competence play vital roles in their decision-making process when addressing health care inequity. Whether guided by utilitarian, deontological, or virtue ethics, nurses can ensure that their actions promote fairness and justice within the healthcare system. Additionally, cultural competence empowers nurses to provide person-centered care and advocate for changes that address the cultural barriers contributing to health disparities. By incorporating both moral philosophy and cultural competence, nurses can make more informed and ethical decisions that contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.
References:
Brown, K., & Ott, M. (2017). Cultural competence in health care: What is it? How do we achieve it? Evaluation and Program Planning, 60, 182-187.
Purtilo, R. B., & Doherty, R. F. (2018). Ethical dimensions in the health professions. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.