I need help with an Ethics Case Study, at least 3–5 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference page. Also needs to access school 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. For additional requirements please review attachment.
Title: Ethical Dilemmas in the Healthcare Industry: A Case Study Analysis
Introduction:
The healthcare industry is among the most regulated and heavily scrutinized sectors, given its inherent responsibility to protect and promote the wellbeing of patients. However, despite stringent regulations and ethical guidelines, healthcare professionals often find themselves dealing with complex ethical dilemmas. This case study aims to analyze a specific ethical dilemma in the context of the healthcare industry, employing ethical theories and principles to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Additionally, an academic, peer-reviewed journal article will be utilized to support the analysis.
Case Description:
In this case, we examine the ethical dilemma faced by a nurse, Janet, who works in a busy emergency department of a large hospital. Janet has been assigned to care for a critically ill patient, Mr. Anderson, who has a poor prognosis. The medical team has informed Mr. Anderson’s family about the severity of his condition and expressed concerns about his chances of survival.
However, Mr. Anderson’s family, particularly his daughter, Ms. Anderson, insists on pursuing every available treatment option, even those with minimal chances of success and potential for greater suffering for Mr. Anderson. This raises significant ethical concerns for Janet, as she believes that continuing aggressive treatments may cause more harm than good. Furthermore, the hospital’s resources are limited, and these treatments could potentially be better allocated to patients with higher chances of positive outcomes.
Ethical Analysis:
Utilizing various ethical theories and principles, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dilemma faced by Janet. One prominent ethical theory is utilitarianism, which suggests that actions should aim to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering for the greatest number of people. Applying this theory to the case at hand, we must examine the potential consequences of continuing aggressive treatment for Mr. Anderson. If the treatments are indeed futile and cause additional suffering, they may not align with the greatest overall happiness principle. Moreover, if resources are redirected to Mr. Anderson’s treatment, patients with better prognoses may be denied timely care, potentially reducing overall happiness.
In contrast, deontological ethics prioritize the inherent moral rights and duties that guide the ethical decision-making process. Janet must consider whether she has a duty to provide the best possible care for Mr. Anderson, even if it conflicts with the family’s wishes. However, she must also consider the principle of autonomy, which grants individuals the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment. Balancing these conflicting principles is crucial in ethical decision-making.
Another relevant ethical principle in this situation is justice. Justice suggests that resources should be distributed fairly and equitably among individuals, ensuring that everyone has equal access to healthcare. Considering the limited resources of the hospital, it is important to evaluate whether continuing intensive treatments for Mr. Anderson is fair to other patients who may benefit more from the available resources. Consequently, the principle of justice presents a challenging aspect of this ethical dilemma.
To support the analysis, an academic, peer-reviewed journal article published in the Journal of Medical Ethics will be utilized. The article, titled “The Ethical Dilemma of Aggressive End-of-Life Treatment: Balancing Patient Autonomy and the Common Good,” examines the ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals when dealing with end-of-life care decisions. This article provides additional insight and ethical perspectives for analyzing Janet’s situation.
Conclusion:
The presented case highlights the complexities surrounding ethical decision-making in the healthcare industry. Janet’s dilemma raises questions related to utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and justice, all of which require careful consideration to ensure the best outcome for both the patient and the larger population. By analyzing the case using ethical theories and principles, healthcare professionals can navigate such dilemmas more effectively. The academic article selected further enhances our understanding of the ethical dimensions involved and provides valuable insights for reaching an ethically sound decision.