Patient Autonomy Dilemma – Develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional by applying ethical principles. Describe the issues and a possible solution in a paper of 3-5 pages.
Introduction
Patient Autonomy Dilemma – In the realm of healthcare, professionals are often faced with complex ethical dilemmas that require careful consideration and application of ethical principles. One such dilemma revolves around balancing patient autonomy and beneficence, especially when a patient’s decision conflicts with what the healthcare provider perceives as best for their well-being. This paper explores a hypothetical scenario to illustrate this ethical dilemma and proposes a solution guided by ethical principles.
Scenario
Patient Autonomy Dilemma – Imagine a situation where a 75-year-old patient, Mrs. Smith, is diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. Her prognosis is poor, and her treating physician, Dr. Johnson, recommends aggressive chemotherapy as the best course of action to prolong her life. However, Mrs. Smith is adamant about refusing chemotherapy, citing concerns about its potential side effects and impact on her quality of life. Dr. Johnson is conflicted; while he believes chemotherapy offers the best chance of extending Mrs. Smith’s life, he also respects her autonomy and her right to make decisions about her own care.
Ethical Issues
Patient Autonomy Dilemma – This scenario presents several ethical issues that require careful consideration:
- Patient Autonomy: Mrs. Smith has the right to make decisions about her own healthcare based on her values, preferences, and beliefs. Respect for patient autonomy is a fundamental principle in medical ethics, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and the right to refuse treatment.
- Beneficence: Dr. Johnson is guided by the principle of beneficence, which requires healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients and promote their well-being. In this case, he believes that chemotherapy offers the best chance of prolonging Mrs. Smith’s life and improving her quality of life, despite its potential side effects.
- Conflict of Values: There is a conflict between Mrs. Smith’s autonomy and Dr. Johnson’s obligation to act in her best interest. While Mrs. Smith has the right to refuse treatment, Dr. Johnson is……..
