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Ethics in Healthcare
Introduction
The healthcare industry is an area where ethical issues are frequently encountered, especially those related to finances and resources. Healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. However, financial concerns can create ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration and ethical decision-making. This essay will explore two common ethical issues related to finance in the healthcare industry and discuss the impact of the moral principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice on ethical decision-making. The role of Ethics Boards and Committees in dealing with ethical issues will also be examined.
Examples of Ethics in Healthcare
Two examples of ethical issues frequently encountered in healthcare related to finance are rationing of healthcare resources and financial conflicts of interest. Rationing of healthcare resources is a prevalent ethical issue in healthcare related to finance (Farrell et al., 2020). The healthcare industry is faced with the challenge of providing adequate care to all patients, even with limited resources such as hospital beds, medical equipment, and personnel. Decisions regarding how these resources are allocated are often complex and require ethical consideration. Healthcare providers may be forced to make difficult decisions regarding the prioritization of certain patients or conditions over others. For example, during a pandemic, healthcare providers may need to prioritize patients who require intensive care or ventilators. This prioritization raises ethical concerns, including questions about fairness and justice in the distribution of healthcare resources. Decisions must be made while considering the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and that resources are allocated equitably.
Financial conflicts of interest is another common ethical issue in healthcare related to finance. Healthcare professionals and institutions may have financial incentives to prioritize certain treatments, procedures, or medications over others (Chebli et al., 2020). For example, a hospital may have an agreement with a particular pharmaceutical company that requires the use of their medications over other options. Such financial conflicts of interest can compromise the best interest of the patient and create ethical conflicts. This situation can affect the autonomy principle as the patient's ability to choose a treatment option may be limited. It can also affect the beneficence principle as the best interest of the patient may not be the primary consideration in decision-making. In such situations, healthcare providers must consider the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence to ensure that patient interests are protected, and treatment options are selected based on clinical considerations rather than financial incentives.
Autonomy, Non-Maleficence, and Beneficence
Autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle...…families to voice their concerns and opinions about ethical matters. This open and transparent dialogue helps to foster a culture of ethical awareness and responsible decision-making in the healthcare industry.
Ethics Boards and Committees also play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare providers and institutions are held accountable for their actions. They review and investigate ethical concerns and allegations of misconduct, and recommend appropriate actions to be taken, including disciplinary measures or legal action if necessary. On top of this, Ethics Boards and Committees serve as advocates for ethical principles and practices in the healthcare industry. They develop policies and guidelines to promote ethical behavior, educate healthcare providers and institutions on ethical issues and best practices, and collaborate with other organizations to promote ethical awareness and responsible decision-making.
In conclusion, ethical issues in the healthcare industry are often related to finance and can pose significant challenges for healthcare providers. The ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice play an essential role in guiding ethical decision-making in healthcare. Ethics Boards and Committees are responsible for ensuring that ethical principles are upheld and that patient rights are protected. By fostering a culture of ethical awareness and responsible decision-making, healthcare providers and institutions can provide high-quality care while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Ultimately, ethical decision-making in healthcare requires a…
References
Chebli, P., Lemus, J., Avila, C., Peña, K., Mariscal, B., Merlos, S., ... & Molina, Y. (2020). Multilevel determinants of financial toxicity in breast cancer care: perspectives of healthcare professionals and Latina survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer, 28, 3179-3188.
Farrell, T. W., Francis, L., Brown, T., Ferrante, L. E., Widera, E., Rhodes, R., ... & Saliba, D.(2020). Rationing limited healthcare resources in the COVID?19 era and beyond: ethical considerations regarding older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(6), 1143-1149.
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