Examples Of Ethical Dilemmas In Health Care

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Ethical dilemmas commonly arise in the realm of health care. According to Butts & Rich (2016), “An ethical dilemma is a situation in which an individual is compelled to choose between two actions that will affect the welfare of a sentient being, and both actions are reasonably justified as being good, neither action is readily justified as being good, or the goodness of the actions is uncertain” (p.55). One ethical dilemma that is a cause for concern is not disclosing a medical diagnosis to a patient, regardless of the reason motivating the physician to not disclose the diagnosis. This ethical dilemma of not disclosing a medical diagnosis to a patient is a concern because ultimately the physician is violating the patient’s rights. The ethical …show more content…
This patient was in the hospital at the time when the doctor disclosed to the family that the patient had terminal lung cancer. Per the family’s request the physician did not disclose this poor diagnosis/prognosis to the patient. The family elected for the patient to be enrolled in a hospice program without consulting with the patient what she would want. The patients right to autonomy was violated and informed consent was waived by the patient’s family. The patient was confused and concerned why nurses, aides, the chaplain, and other hospice staff were coming into her home, and invading her privacy. Each time I arrived at the patient’s house, she would ask me and other hospice staff why we were there, and what was wrong with her. The ethical principles of non-maleficence and beneficence was compromised and concealing the truth from the patient brought about more worry and concern. According to O’Sullivan (2013), “Truthful disclosure results in reduced pain and better health outcomes” (p. 38). In addition, the patient not being aware of her terminal diagnosis resulted in turmoil among her family. Some family members thought the patient deserved to know the truth while others did not, and ultimately this created conflict within the family unit. Several IDT meetings were held where the …show more content…
Not disclosing a medical diagnosis is violating the patient’s rights, and also takes away their dignity. Patients deserve to know the truth about their diagnosis/prognosis and decide on their own what is best for them. Patients not knowing that they are dying of a terminal illness is cruel, because the patient will not have the opportunity to come to peace and accept the diagnosis/prognosis, say goodbye to their family members, or get their affairs in order. Physicians not allowing patients to experience those opportunities is violating the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. In addition, anytime an ethical dilemma surfaces, the four topics approach to ethical decision making is essential as it takes into consideration unique
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