Analyzing Ethical Principles on Self Assessment

Ethical Principles on Self-Assessment

The Principle of Autonomy

The term 'autonomy' denotes 'self-rule' in Latin. We are honor-bound to have regard for other individuals' autonomy, which implies respecting their decisions in relation to their personal choices. In simple words, the principle suggests that a competent and informed adult patient is free to accept or reject any medication, therapy or surgical treatment, in accordance with his/her wishes. This principle is also known as the 'human dignity' principle. It imparts a negative responsibility to refrain from intervening in competent adults' decision-making process, as well as a positive one for empowering those we are charged to take care of. The corollary in this regard asserts that we must not break promises and must be honest in our interactions with others (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

Beneficence: Every healthcare worker needs to endeavor towards improving the health of patients, and doing the best for them in all situations. This entails balancing treatment benefits with corresponding expenses and risks. Healthcare workers ought to behave such that their patient benefits. However, they must bear in mind that what works well for a given patient might be detrimental to another; hence, every individual situation must be taken into consideration independently. Also, other values which may oppose beneficence have to be taken into account. Positive measures must be undertaken for preventing harm. Nevertheless, an espousal of this corollary value often places healthcare workers directly in contradiction with showing regard for others' autonomy (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

Non-maleficence: Medical ethics' basis is doing no harm to patients. Under all circumstances, healthcare workers need to ensure they avoid causing any form of harm to patients. Further, they need to have knowledge of the double effect doctrine, where a medication administered or prescribed with good intent brings about patient harm albeit unintentionally. The doctrine aids in making difficult decisions regarding whether or not actions having double effects may be performed. When one cannot evade harm, one must ensure that the harm is minimized as much as possible. This, in itself, covers three principles:

Try not to increase risks of harming others.

It is morally incorrect to waste precious resources that may aid someone else.

All actions performed should have more good effects than ill effects (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

The Principle of justice

This principle requires healthcare workers to attempt to treat everyone fairly, while providing medication and allotting precious and scant medical resources. One must justify one's actions in all situations. We are honor-bound to offer others what they deserve, or are owed. Even in society, one is obligated to deal fairly, impartially and equally with everyone. Overall, it is morally correct that one does not impose unjust burdens on others (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

Responsible practice necessitates that one:

Bases one's actions on sound, responsible, and informed judgment

Confers with peers or requests for supervision, in light of one's existing skills and knowledge

Engages in constant self-examination

Remains receptive

In the process of ethical decision-making, one must engage clients whenever appropriate, as far as possible.

Clients require sufficient therapy-related information, for making informed choices.

Informed consent starts with the first meeting, and continues all through the duration of therapy.

The goal is engaging patients in a collaborative therapeutic partnership (Herlihy, & Corey, 2014).

The point made in this context is the emphasis on making ethical choices 'with' the patient, instead of 'for' the patient. Active patient participation in decision-making as far as is appropriate and possible, is needed here. Client autonomy needs to be respected; that is, decisions must not be made for them, nor should one support dependent behaviors and attitudes. Ethical decisions must be made through counselor-client or doctor-patient collaboration, instead of being made independently by the doctor/counselor alone, for the patient/client. A healthcare worker in an ethical conundrum may be aided by following the steps listed below, with the following recommendations:

1. Understand the query/issue

1. Ascertain possible issues involved

1. Appraise related codes of ethics

1. Gain knowledge of applicable regulations and rules

1. Seek consultation

1. Look into probable and possible strategies

1. Spell out the repercussions of different decisions

1. Make a decision on what seems like the ideal plan to follow (Herlihy, & Corey, 2014).