Ethical decision-making process Teaching health promotion strategies to a patient

Full Answer Section

This creates a conflict between:

• Patient Autonomy: The patient's right to make their own decisions about their health.
• Beneficence: The healthcare provider's duty to act in the patient's best interest and prevent harm.

Ethical Decision-Making Process:

In such a situation, a healthcare provider might use a structured ethical decision-making process, such as:

1. Identify the Ethical Dilemma: Clearly define the conflict between patient autonomy and beneficence.
2. Gather Relevant Information:
   • Review the patient's medical history, current health status, and psychosocial factors.
   • Assess the patient's understanding of their condition and the risks associated with their lifestyle choices.
   • Consider the patient's cultural and religious beliefs.
3. Identify Ethical Principles:
   • Consider the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
4. Consider Options and Consequences:
   • Explore various options, such as:
     • Providing further education and counseling.
     • Motivational interviewing to encourage behavior change.
     • Involving family members or support systems.
     • Respecting the patient's decision and providing harm reduction strategies.
   • Evaluate the potential consequences of each option.
5. Make a Decision:
   • Choose the option that best balances the ethical principles and the patient's needs.
   • Prioritize patient autonomy while still advocating for their health.
6. Implement and Evaluate:
   • Implement the chosen option and monitor the patient's progress.
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and make adjustments as needed.
7. Documentation:
   • Document the entire process.

Example Application:

In the case of the patient with uncontrolled diabetes:

• The healthcare provider might use motivational interviewing to explore the patient's reasons for resisting lifestyle changes.
• They might collaborate with a dietitian to develop a culturally appropriate meal plan.
• They would reinforce the patients right to choose, but continue to educate on the possible negative outcomes of that choice.
• They would document all conversations.

The goal is to empower the patient to make informed decisions while providing support and guidance.

Sample Answer

Ethical Dilemma: Patient Autonomy vs. Beneficence in Lifestyle Changes

A common ethical issue arises when a patient's lifestyle choices pose significant health risks, but they resist making necessary changes. For example:

• A patient with uncontrolled diabetes continues to consume a diet high in sugar and refuses to engage in regular physical activity, despite clear education about the risks.
• A patient who smokes and has COPD does not want to quit smoking, even though they understand the negative impacts of smoking.