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Origiinal directions: In a second paragraph based on this week’s reading what theory of healthcare ethics applies to your personal values and how will you use this theory in advanced practice? Provide an example.

In a third paragraph briefly discuss the four principles of health care ethics and which one of these most closely aligns with your personal values as a health provider.

Peer to respond to:

Hello everyone, my name is Julia Atungsiri, and I currently call Bennington, Nebraska, home. I am a Home health nurse who loves cooking, baking, and trying out new recipes. I am married and a mother to three amazing kids, which keeps my life vibrant and full. As I advance in my career, I aspire to deepen my expertise in providing patient-centered care which promotes independence, enhances quality of life, and achieves optimal health outcomes for individuals of all ages. One interesting fact about me is my love for culinary arts, which helps me connect with patients through discussions about food and nutrition. Ethical issues will undoubtedly impact my future career as a healthcare provider, as I will need to navigate complex situations involving patient autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent.

I look forward to connecting with you all and learning more about your experiences and interests.

Healthcare Ethics Theory

Based on this week’s readings, the theory of healthcare ethics that resonates with my values is the principle of beneficence. This principle focuses on the ethical obligation to promote the well-being of patients and actively work towards their best interests (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). As a future advanced practice nurse, I will apply this theory by ensuring that my clinical decisions and care plans are always aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. For instance, when designing a care strategy for a homebound elderly patient, I will consider their medical needs, personal preferences, and life circumstances to provide holistic and effective care. Additionally, Morrison and Furlong (2019) highlight the importance of beneficence in addressing contemporary ethical challenges in healthcare, emphasizing that actions should always contribute to the welfare of patients.

Four Principles of Healthcare Ethics

The four principles of healthcare ethics, which include the following autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, are foundational to ethical medical practice (Gillon, 1994).

Autonomy involves respecting the patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. This principle is fundamental to ethical practice because it acknowledges the patient’s liberty and self-governance (Gillon, 1994). For instance, when a patient chooses a treatment plan, healthcare providers must honor that decision, provided the patient is fully aware, informed, and capable of making that decision. This respect for patient autonomy is crucial for building trust and ensuring patient-centered care (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

Beneficence is about acting in the best interest of the patient. This principle requires healthcare providers to promote good, prevent harm, and remove conditions that will cause harm (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). It emphasizes the moral obligation to help others and improve their well-being. In practice, this could involve going beyond just treating the illness to considering the patient’s overall well-being, including their psychological and social health (Morrison & Furlong, 2019).

Non-maleficence means to “do no harm.” This principle is closely related to beneficence but focuses on the duty to avoid causing harm to the patient. It stresses the importance of not inflicting injury or suffering through acts of commission or omission (Gillon, 1994). For example, ensuring that a medical intervention does not have disproportionate risks compared to its benefits is a key aspect of non-maleficence (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

Justice refers to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources and the fair treatment of all patients. This principle requires healthcare providers to treat patients equitably, without discrimination, and to ensure that healthcare resources are distributed fairly and justly (Gillon, 1994). Justice in healthcare also involves addressing disparities and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need, regardless of their background or socio-economic status (Morrison & Furlong, 2019).

Of these principles, beneficence most closely aligns with my values as a future healthcare provider. This principle will guide me to always act in ways that benefit my patients and strive to provide the highest quality of care to support their health and well-being.

References

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Gillon, R. (1994). Medical ethics: Four principles plus attention to scope. BMJ, 309(6948), 184-188. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.309.6948.184

Morrison, E. E., & Furlong, B. (2019). Health care ethics: Critical issues for the 21st century (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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