Principles of Confidentiality, Ethical Theories, and a Presented Case Study on the Z Family and the Practitioner's Ethical Decisions

1509 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: 4 nursing ethical theories

A. Introduction

This paper will look at the principles of confidentiality, ethical theories, and a presented case study on the Z family and the practitioners’ ethical decisions. It will provide a better understanding of how moral and ethical situations can be approached by the practitioner, and giving examples and theories that can be put into practice in difficult decisions.

B. Ethical Theory

The importance of ethical theory plays a large role in nursing practices. It is often difficult to understand where the lines of confidentiality should be drawn, so in order to help decipher the feelings nurse practitioners have of what they consider to be fair or unfair, there are a number of ethical theories that can be used in order to understand a problem (McGowen, 2012). Morally, each individual has their own personal compass, but in terms of medical practice, there needs to be a unanimous understanding of what constitutes correct behavior for the best interests of the patient.

Practices such as Utilitarianism, Deontology/Kantianism, Virtue Ethics and Moral Particularism all play a vital role when it comes to understanding the application of rules and consequences in nursing practice. Each theory has a specific approach for dealing with ethical issues. For example, Deontological looks at what an individual must do, based on their job descriptions and obligations to both the hospital and patients (Slowther et al, 2004). Another example is Virtue ethics, which can be viewed as the method of what nurses’ feel is the correct way to behave when working with both patients and colleagues (Slowther et al, 2004). Without these practices, there would be no trust established between patients and practitioners, which would be a detriment to ...

... middle of paper ...

...2012. Retrieved May 13, 2014 from http://www.aacn.org/wd/Cetests/media/C1252.pdf

National Institute for Health Research (2013). “Key Principles of Confidentiality”. Careers and Confidentiality. August 7, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2014 from http://www.carersandconfidentiality.org.uk/information-sharing/key-principles-of-confidentiality/

Sankor, P., Mora, S., Merz, J., Jones, N. (2003). “Patient Perspectives of Medical Confidentiality”. NCBI. J Gen Intern Med. Aug 2003; 18(8): 659–669.doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20823.x. Retrieved May 14, 2014 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1494903//

Slowther A, Johnston C, Goodall J, Hope T (2004) “A Practical Guide for Clinical Ethics

Support”. The Ethox Centre. Section C: Ethical Frameworks. Retrieved May 14, 2014 from http://www.ukcen.net/uploads/docs/education_resources/pack1/pack1_moral.pdf

Show More
Related

  • Ethical Dilemmas In The Case Of Marguerite M And The Angioram?

    1051 Words  | 3 Pages

    The case of Marguerite M presents an ethical dilemma. Medical ethics play a special role in medicine and is directly concerned with its practice. Its role has continued to evolve as changes develop in

    Read More

  • Nursing Case Study: Erin's Dilemma

    717 Words  | 2 Pages

    During week 4, we became familiar with the application of ethics in the nursing practice settings. We learned about ethical theories and principles, which are crucial when practicing in any clinical settings during ethical decision-making and while facing one or multiple ethical dilemmas. Also, we were introduced to the MORAL model used in ethical decision – making progress. The MORAL model is the easiest model to use in the everyday clinical practice, for instance at bedside nursing. This model can be applyed in any clinical settings and its acronyms assist

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Five Days At Memorial

    1020 Words  | 3 Pages

    Winland-Brown, J. L. (2015). The New "Code of Ethics for Nursing With Interpretive Statements". Practical Clinical Applications Part I. MEDSURG Nursing 24(4),

    Read More

  • Essay On Confidentiality In Health And Social Care

    597 Words  | 2 Pages

    Confidentiality is a major topic within care environments. When it comes to deciding what information is shared and who it is shared amongst can be difficult. Confidential information, is information that is ‘not to be told to anyone’ (The Open University, 2015, p. 58). Information that is sensitive or not publicly known is confidential, also if information is given by a person who is in a setting where confidentially is expected then that information should remain private and not shared with others. It can be very difficult for a staff member to find the balance between knowing what information is confidential and appropriate information that needs to be shared between the staff team.

    Read More

  • American Nurses Code Of Ethics Essay

    1375 Words  | 3 Pages

    Which is very important for nurses or any medical professional to do in the healthcare profession. Nurses are receiving these patients in their most vulnerable state, nurses are exposed and trusted with the patients’ information to further assist them on providing optimum treatment. Keeping patient’s information private goes back to not just doing what’s morally right but also it also builds that nurse – patient relationship as well. We also have provision three that specifically taps on this issue as well, as it states: “The nurse seeks to protect the health, safety, and rights of patient.” (Nurses Code of Ethics,

    Read More

  • Ethical Principles Of Non-Maleficence And Staffing Inadequacy

    983 Words  | 2 Pages

    Nurses everywhere face problems and challenges in practice. Most of the challenges occur due to a struggle with the use of ethical principles in patient care. Ethical principles are “basic and obvious moral truths that guide deliberation and action,” (Burkhardt, Nathaniel, 2014). Ethical principles that are used in nursing practice include autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, veracity, confidentiality, justice, and fidelity. These challenges not only affect them, but the quality of care they provide as well. According to the article, some of the most frequently occurring and most stressful ethical issues were protecting patient rights, autonomy and informed consent to treatment, staffing problems, advanced care planning, and surrogate decision making (Ulrich et. al, 2013). The ethical issue of inadequate staffing conflicts with the principle of non-maleficence.

    Read More

  • HIPPA Violations

    1182 Words  | 3 Pages

    Disclosing confidential patient information without patient consent can happen in the health care field quite often and is the basis for many cases brought against health care facilities. There are many ways confidential information gets into the wrong hands and this paper explores some of those ways and how that can be prevented.

    Read More

  • Applying the D.E.C.I.D.E Model of Decision Making

    1323 Words  | 3 Pages

    Thompson, I. E., Melia, K. M., & Boyd, K. M. (2006). Nursing Ethics: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

    Read More

  • Evolvement Of Nursing Ethics: The Nursing Code Of Ethics

    1223 Words  | 3 Pages

    The term nursing ethics means that the nurse has an obligation judge what is right and wrong in her or his duties as guided by the profession or the moral principles that govern the profession and as prescribed by the professional body. Nursing ethics initially encompassed virtues that were desired in a nurse. At the time, these virtues included physician loyalty, commitment to high moral character and obedience. Evolvement of nursing profession gradually made nurses embrace patients’ advocacy. As patient advocates, nurses work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide patient care. Nursing ethics have kept pace with the advancement of the nursing profession to include a patient-centered focus, rather than a physician-centered focus.

    Read More

  • Confidentiality And Patient Privacy

    949 Words  | 2 Pages

    Confidentiality will always be an important component in medical discussions, but confidentiality on the other hand is not a right and has to be stable against counter claims (Chalmers, 2003). Some arguments and facts that were used in the article were how are health care providers supposed to be able to correct the stability? Should overt content always be required from clients for any use of their health care information separately from the direct clinical care? The proof suggests that where the informed consent is needed completeness of health information hurts and unfinished health ...

    Read More

  • Confidentiality And Confidentiality In Nursing

    2424 Words  | 5 Pages

    There are weaknesses in professional guidelines and rules because they are unable to provide the directives for moral reasoning and action is health care situations. Many people state that biomedical ethics provides a framework and emphasis on the person rather than the professional code and legal policy (Beauchamp and Childress, 2001). On the other hand they serve a purpose to provide some direction for professionals however codes of practise do not dismiss.

    Read More

  • Essay On Ethical And Ethical Issues In Nursing

    733 Words  | 2 Pages

    In conclusion, there are numerous legal and ethical issues apparent in the nursing practice. Nurses should study and be as informed as they can with ethics and legality within their field in order to ensure no mistakes occur. Ethical issues vary based on patient’s views, religion, and environment. Nurses are influenced by these same views, but most of the time they are not the same as the patients. As a nurse we must learn to put the care of our patients and their beliefs, rights, and wishes before our own personal

    Read More

  • Professional Values In Nursing Essay

    1488 Words  | 3 Pages

    In order for nurses to practice ethically they must understand the meaning behind each professional value. The first value is human dignity. With each patient we encounter we must show them respect as individuals. It does not matter what the medical condition is, race, ethnicity, culture, religion or gender of the individual. The dignity of a person must be protected. As nurses we must respect the uniqueness of each individual we care for, as this is a fundamental right of all humans. A person with dignity feels a sense of self-worth and as nurses we must do our best to help our patients maintain that feeling of worthiness.

    Read More

  • Deontology In Nursing Essay

    908 Words  | 2 Pages

    6). Good intention is the main moral principle considered and consequences are irrelevant (Joel, 2013, p. 526). Seemingly, the deontological ideology focuses on the actions of the agent and would disregard patient focus and individuality. It is difficult to apply contemporary ethical theories to the nurse because of the values of the nursing profession. “Contemporary ethical theories do not lend themselves to the health-care professions or to ethically defensible decisions in health-care practice. None of the dominant ethical theories could be discovered in, or derived from, the profession of nursing” (Joel, 2013, p. 526). Casuistry, while not an ethical theory, is a case-based approach to practical decision-making. Cases that have set precedence are identified and comparisons are made using similarities, differences, and previous experiences. This concept is used to complement ethical theories in patient decision making by clinical ethics committees (Slowther, Johnston, Goodall, & Hope, 2004, § C4). Personally and professionally balancing ethical perspectives to be able to consider all details on a case by case basis seems like a more appropriate

    Read More

  • Essay On Code Of Ethics In Nursing

    1326 Words  | 3 Pages

    Integrity, respect for persons, justice, non-maleficence, and responsibility are all identified within the code, however compassion is not directly stated but is implied. To show compassion for others during suffering is an almost automatic response in nursing. When nurses decide to act either beneficently or non-maleficently they are doing a service to those being cared for. When dealing with human lives moral value becomes especially important, and is not situationally dependent. Ethical neutrality does not have a place in professional ethics, and an obligation to respect the moral values is necessary. The code deals with specific issues related to the nursing profession, and ensures standards are upheld. Creation of code of ethics within a profession limits misconduct, create safeguards, promote trust for the profession within society, and preserves the integrity of the profession (Soskolne, 1984) It is important for me to emphasize the difference between the nurse’s code of ethics and the Hippocratic Oath. The nurses ethical code is tailored toward the care provided to the patient, and not the involved science and diagnostic aspect of the

    Read More

More about Principles of Confidentiality, Ethical Theories, and a Presented Case Study on the Z Family and the Practitioner's Ethical Decisions

Open Document