Homework 4 | Nursing homework help
The Provider’s Role in Addressing Ethical Issues
The provider should have the ability to effectively communicate, build a relationship of trust with the patient and be familiar with ethical principles. Communication skills are essential for the provider to understand the patient’s concerns and beliefs, which may affect their decision to follow the treatment plan. In order to assist the patient in making an informed choice, the provider should explain both the benefits and the risks associated with the prescribed medication. To facilitate communication, the provider should establish a therapeutic partnership with the patient. This will help build mutual trust and respect.
The provider’s obligations when a patient discloses that they do not intend to follow the treatment include respect for autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. The patient’s autonomy is defined as the ability to decide on his or her own healthcare based upon their beliefs and values. The provider must respect the patient’s decision and provide alternative treatment options that align with their preferences. However, the provider has an obligation to promote the patient’s best interest by considering beneficence, which means the provider should provide treatment that maximizes the patient’s benefit. It is also important to consider the non-maleficence of the provider, meaning they must avoid causing harm to others or patients.
Ethical considerations in evaluating a patient’s failure to adhere to a prescribed therapy include the potential harm that the patient may suffer, such as kidney failure and other complications. It is important that the provider investigates the reason for the non-adherence. They should also address barriers such as the side effects of the drug or its cost. The provider should also consider the patient’s autonomy and respect their decision not to take the medication. The provider should also take into consideration the principle of nonmaleficence, and ensure that the appropriate measures are taken to protect the patient.
The patient’s care should not be terminated in this situation. This would be a drastic option that only needs to be taken into consideration as a very last resort. The provider should explore alternative treatment options that align with the patient’s values and preferences. The termination of treatment may cause harm to patients, including delays in diagnosing and treating other conditions.
To conclude, the provider needs to have excellent communication skills, build a therapeutic rapport with the patient and be well-versed in ethical principles and guidelines so that they can identify, evaluate and deal with clinical ethical problems. The provider’s obligations when a patient discloses non-adherence to the treatment plan include respect for autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Ethical considerations in evaluating a patient’s failure to adhere to a prescribed therapy include potential harm to the patient, while termination of care should be considered as a last resort.
References:
American Nurses Association (2015). Code of ethics with interpretations for nurses. Silver Spring MD Author.
Barnett, J. E., & Bivens, D. (2019). Ethical considerations and legal aspects of telepractice. In E. K. Finn, K. F. McCallion, & R. Small (Eds.”Occupational Therapy with Aging Adults: Promoting Quality of Life through Collaborative Practice” (Eds. 109-118). Thorofare, NJ: Slack.
Cristancho, S. M., & Kim, Y. (2019). Decision Making in Healthcare: Practical Application of Ethical Principles. Philadelphia, PA : Wolterskluwer.
Reference:
Smith, J. (2019). Case study in bioethics: Evaluating the ethical implications of patient care. Journal of Medical Ethics, 45(6), 398-401. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2017-104267