Ethical Health Care Issues Essay Example for Free

Ethical health Care Issues Essay dummy Cancer is a serious issue that affects almost all(prenominal) woman worldwide, either directly as someone diagnosed with screwcer, or indirectly through the illness of a loved one (Womens Health Resource, 2014). Breast Cancer is found in women, in their twenties and thirties, and those with a family history of the disease. In 2006, approximately 212,920 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the joined States alone (Womens Health Resource, 2014). The case scenario will discuss the ethical and legal issues regarding a 25 course old female enduring struck with breast cancer, who refuses pass overment for the disease, in addition to the four (4) ethical principles, (a) autonomy (respect for persons), (b) justice, (c) beneficence, and (d) non-maleficence. Case ScenarioA 25 year old female longanimous make an appointment with her primary foreboding doc because she discovered a lump in her breast after a routine check. On the day of the appointment, the physician examined her breast, and made a referral for her to visit and oncologist, who specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of cancer. There are three types of oncologists. They are (a) medical oncologist (uses medicine (chemotherapy) to treat cancer), (b) radiation oncologist (uses radiation to treat cancer), and (c) surgical oncologist (treats cancer with surgery) (The Denise Roberts Breast Cancer Foundation, 2009). The patient schedules an appointment with the oncologist, who then will inform her of the diagnoses and treatments if needed as per the result of the biopsy. The result of the biopsy will corroborate if the patient has breast cancer or not. Autonomy (respect for persons) acknowledges a persons right to make choices, to hold views, and to take actions based on individualised values and beliefs (Chowning et al., 2007).To refuse treatment, the patient must be legally and mentally capable, and 18 years or older. Parents with childr en under the age of 18, have the right to comply or refuse treatment for his or her child. Physicians also have amoral and legal obligation to comply with a patients voluntary, sensible refusal of life sustaining treatment, regardless of a physicians judgment concerning the medical or moral appropriateness of this (Miller et al., 2000). A 25 year old patient with breast cancer refused medical treatment as suggested by the oncologist. Conflicts may arise with the patient as she made a decision to not dumbfound care, which can ultimately lead to death.Death may be seen as a failure, rather than an important part of life (Smith, 2000). Upon receiving the patient choice to turn away treatment, the oncologist is then obligated to inform, and educate the patient slightly the benefits of treatment, and risks associated with not receiving treatment. The patient has the right to deny treatment, even when the physician suggests the benefits of treatment. The following treatment options a re addressable to the patient such as, lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and eventually, surgical reconstruction (Womans Health Resource, 2014).AutonomyWhen a patient refuses treatment to care for the disease, autonomy then becomes a bit challenging. While there may be opposing views in regard to treatment or non-treatment, medical professionals must respect the patient decision, and die hard the patient during this process, while delivering quality care (Stringer, 2009). The rules of law are based on ethical beliefs that are commonly held in our society. These basic ethical principles embroil respect for individual autonomy, beneficence (helping others), non-maleficence (not harming others), and justice or fairness. Regardless of whether these ethical duties are derived from religious faith, natural law, or a social contract, these principles form the root word for the legal rules of our society (Harris, 2007).BeneficenceThe principle of beneficence means that the health care provider must promote the wellbeing of patients and avoid harming them (Rosenthal, 2006). When a patient refuses treatment(s), the health care professional must communicate the risks of not receiving treatment. The job of the health care professional is to provide quality of care to the patient, even when a patient refuses treatment. The health care professional must remain compassionate, as the patient expects the medical professional to stilltreat him or her with dignity and respect.Non balefulnessNon Maleficence means to do no harm. Health care professionals must always strive to do their work without malice or the intention thus to the patient (Ask.com, 2014). The health care provider is obligated to aid the patient to the best of his or her ability by providing benefits, protecting the patients interest, and improve wellbeing. To ensure that the patient is not harmed while refusing treatment, the health care professional can conduct a risk benefit analysi s where research on the disease and discordant medications can be found. Upon his or her findings, the health care professional should explain the effects of treatment or non-treatment. Under non maleficence, there is a legal business to warn third parties, which is a critical and legal concept (Rosenthal, 2006).JusticeThe principle of justice means to treat others equitably, distribute benefits or burdens fairly (Chowning et al., 2007). Health care professionals must provide patients with treatment alternatives, and not misinform the patient about any of the medical processes involved. The major issue with this principle is that economic barriers can interfere with access to appropriate therapies and medications (Rosenthal, 2006). The health care organization is required to provide services or care to a patient regardless of health care coverage. Patients should also be treated equally regardless of age, race, or ethnicity. Patients must be treated with dignity and respect, even though he or she may refuse care or treatment for their medical condition.ConclusionOne of the most common place ethical dilemmas in the health care industry is a patient refusing treatment to care, as this action may threaten his or her wellbeing or health. The health care professional must determine what aspects of autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence need to be used before providing care. A physician has the legal right to ensure and provide the patient with sufficient information about treatment plans, and care. Health care administrators must examine underlying issues such as competence of the patient, the distinction apparent, and refusal of care (Michels, 1981). In the case of the 25 year old patient, ethical issues werepresent because her right to refuse treatment conflicted with the oncologists obligations to provide quality care to her.ReferencesAsk.com (2014). What Is Non Maleficence? Retrieved from http//www.ask.com/question/what-is-non-maleficence Chownin g et al. (2007). An Ethics Primer. Seattle WA nor-west Association of Biomedical Research. Retrieved from https//www.nwabr.org/sites/default/files/NWABR_EthicsPrimer7.13.pdf Harris (2007). Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Law and Ethics, 3e. Retrieved from University of Phoenix Michels, R. (1981). The Right to Refuse Treatment Ethical Issues. American Psychiatric Association, 32(1), 251-255. Miller, F., Fins, J., Snyder, L. (2000). support suicide compared with refusal of treatment a valid distinction? Annals of Internal Medicine, 132(6), 470-475. Rosenthal, M. S. (2006). Patient misconceptions and ethical challenges in radioactive iodine scanning and therapy*. Journal of atomic Medicine Technology, 34(3), 143-50 quiz 151-2. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/218613783?accountid=458 Smith, R. (2000). A good death an important aim for health services and for us all. British Medical Journal, 320(7228), 129-130. Stringer, S. (2009). Ethical issues involved in patient refusal of life-saving treatment. Cancer Nursing Practice, 8(3), 30-33. The Denise Roberts Breast Cancer Foundation (2009). Breast Health. Retrieved from http//www.tdrbcf.org/oncologist/index.html Womens Health Resource (2014). Breast Cancer. Retrieved from http//www.wdxcyber.com/breast_home.html