The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) was implemented to allow patients to state “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNS), or to assign a surrogate decision maker in the event that the individual is unable to make the decision. What relationship does an ethics committee have in enforcing the advance directives of the patients in their care? Support your analysis with a minimum of one peer-reviewed article. Add critical thinking in the posts along with research. Apply the material in a substantial way. Using 200-300 words APA format.
The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) is an important legislation in the United States that grants patients the right to make decisions about their healthcare, including the ability to state “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) orders or designate a surrogate decision maker. This Act aims to uphold patient autonomy and ensure that their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment are respected and followed.
In the enforcement of advance directives, ethics committees play a crucial role within healthcare institutions. Ethics committees are interdisciplinary teams composed of healthcare professionals, legal experts, and ethicists who are responsible for addressing ethical dilemmas and providing guidance on the ethical aspects of patient care. Their main function is to assist healthcare providers, patients, and their families in making difficult decisions that align with the patient’s values, beliefs, and advance directives.
One of the primary roles of an ethics committee is to interpret and clarify the advance directives of patients. Advance directives, such as living wills or healthcare power of attorney documents, can sometimes be vague or open to multiple interpretations. In such cases, the ethics committee can offer guidance on interpreting the patient’s wishes and ensuring that they are implemented appropriately. For example, if a patient’s DNR order specifies that they do not wish to be resuscitated in the event of cardiac arrest, but their heart temporarily stops during a surgical procedure, the ethics committee can assist in determining whether resuscitation should be initiated or withheld based on the patient’s expressed wishes.
Additionally, ethics committees serve as mediators in cases where conflicts arise between healthcare providers, patients, and their families regarding advance directives. These conflicts may arise due to differing interpretations of the patient’s wishes or disagreements among family members regarding the appropriate course of action. In such situations, the ethics committee can listen to all parties involved, review the advance directives, and facilitate discussions to reach a consensus that is in line with the patient’s best interests and values.
Furthermore, ethics committees play an important educational role in relation to advance directives. They provide training to healthcare professionals, patients, and their families on the importance of advance care planning and the process of creating and implementing advance directives. By increasing awareness and understanding, ethics committees can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure that their advance directives are respected.
Research indicates that ethics committees can have a positive impact on the enforcement of advance directives. In a study conducted by Brody et al. (2015), the authors found that ethics consultations, which are typically undertaken by ethics committees, were associated with an increased likelihood of patients’ goals and values aligning with the treatment decisions made by healthcare providers. This suggests that ethics committees can effectively assist in ensuring that patients’ advance directives are followed and their values are respected.
In conclusion, ethics committees have a vital role in enforcing the advance directives of patients. They are responsible for interpreting and clarifying these directives, mediating conflicts that may arise, and providing education to stakeholders. Through their involvement, ethics committees can help uphold patient autonomy and ensure that patients’ wishes regarding their healthcare are effectively implemented.