Contact a health care professional and arrange to conduct an interview. Use the interview to understand the ethical perspective of the health care professional regarding the following: Write a 1,250-1,500 word paper based on the interview in which you address the following: Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. Purchase the answer to view it
Understanding the ethical perspectives of healthcare professionals is vital in gaining insights into the complex ethical dilemmas they face in their practice. This paper aims to provide an analysis of the ethical perspectives of a healthcare professional based on an interview conducted with them. The interview will focus on the following topics: confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life decisions.
Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures patient privacy and trust. During the interview, the healthcare professional emphasized the utmost importance of maintaining confidentiality and protecting patient information. They stressed that breaching confidentiality not only violates ethical principles but can also have legal implications.
The healthcare professional explained that confidentiality is not an absolute rule and there are circumstances where breaching confidentiality may be necessary. For instance, in cases of suspected child abuse or harm to oneself or others, the professional stated that they have a duty to protect the patient and may need to disclose information to the appropriate authorities. However, they emphasized that these situations are exceptional and warrants careful consideration.
Informed consent is another crucial ethical principle in healthcare. It involves ensuring that patients are fully informed about their medical condition, proposed treatments, potential risks, and alternatives before giving their consent. The healthcare professional expressed their commitment to obtaining informed consent from patients, as it respects their autonomy and promotes shared decision-making.
According to the professional, obtaining informed consent can sometimes be challenging, especially in emergency situations where immediate action is required. In such cases, they explained that they strive to provide as much information as possible within the limited time frame. They also highlighted the significance of ongoing communication with patients, ensuring they have opportunities to ask questions and provide their consent or voice concerns.
End-of-life decisions are a complex and sensitive aspect of healthcare ethics. The healthcare professional described their approach to end-of-life decisions as guided by the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for autonomy. They acknowledged the delicate balance between providing comfort and prolonging life, stating that every decision is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s wishes, values, and medical condition.
The professional emphasized the importance of open and honest communication with patients and their families during end-of-life discussions. They stressed the significance of addressing fears, concerns, and goals of care, and ensuring that patients have access to appropriate support systems, such as palliative care, to enhance their quality of life.
Regarding ethical conflicts, the healthcare professional acknowledged that they sometimes encounter situations where their ethical perspectives may differ from those of patients or their families. However, they indicated that they approach such conflicts with collaboration, empathy, and respect for autonomy.
In summary, the interview with the healthcare professional provided valuable insights into their ethical perspectives on confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life decisions. The professional emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality while acknowledging exceptions when breaching confidentiality may be necessary. They highlighted the significance of obtaining informed consent from patients and acknowledged the challenges faced in emergency situations. Regarding end-of-life decisions, the professional emphasized open communication, respect for patient autonomy, and a case-by-case approach. Ultimately, this interview highlighted the complex ethical considerations inherent in the healthcare profession and the commitment of healthcare professionals to navigate these challenges while providing quality care to their patients.