PHI3200_AliciaMosley_Assessment5_Attempt1

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Feb 20, 2024

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Alicia Mosley Ethics in HealthCare January 2024 Tonya’s Case The decision to take Tonya off the ventilator raises the question of whether it is appropriate to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment when there is little to no hope of recovery. I will argue that the doctors need to obey Tonya’s parents to keep her on the ventilator. Tonya’s situation brings forth the delicate balance between respecting autonomy. While her parents insist on maintaining life support, the medical evidence points to irreversible brain damage, raising questions about the appropriateness of continuing interventions. This decision is complex and involves ethical, legal, and medical considerations. Medical professionals aim to work collaboratively with patients and their families to make decisions that are in the best interest of the patient. However, in cases like this where there is a significant disagreement between medical recommendations and the family's wishes, certain factors come into play. Tonya’s case is a complex ethical issue that requires balancing the potential benefits and burdens of continued interventions. The primary consideration is the best interest of the patient.

If continued ventilation is unlikely to provide any meaningful benefit to Tonya and may, in fact, prolong her suffering without hope of recovery, the medical team may argue that it is not in her best interest. The primary ethical dilemma revolves around the question of whether it is appropriate to discontinue life support for Tonya. The medical team has mentioned to the family that there is no reasonable hope of benefiting Tonya by continuing the ventilator and other treatments. The ethical consideration involves evaluating the quality of life that Tonya might have if treatment is continued and whether it aligns with the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Considering the cultural values and beliefs of Tonya’s family is also crucial. Different cultures may have varying perspectives on end-of-life care, death, and the withdrawal of life support. Respecting and understanding these cultural factors is essential in providing patient-centered care. Accrediting bodies were meant to develop and articulate standards that healthcare organizations must meet to ensure the delivery of high-quality and safe care. These standards cover various aspects, including patient care, organizational management, safety protocols, ethical practices, and much more. Accreditation is not just a one-time certification but an ongoing process. Accrediting bodies should encourage a culture of continuous quality improvement within healthcare organizations. By regularly reviewing and updating standards, they prompt institutions to adapt and improve their practices to align with the latest evidence- based guidelines. In Tonya’s case, accrediting bodies played a significant role in ensuring that the

hospital’s decisions and practices aligned with established standards related to patient care, ethical considerations, and end-of-life issues. In Tonya’s case, there was a disagreement between the medical team and the family regarding the continuation of life support, accrediting bodies may assess whether the hospital has a process in place to address ethical dilemmas. This may involve the establishment of ethics committees or mechanisms for reviewing and resolving conflicts related to end-of-life decisions. Organizational documents, such as mission and value statements, serve as guiding principles that define the purpose, values, and ethical commitments of a healthcare institution. An ethical committee is available at every hospital to conduct a comprehensive ethical analysis of complex cases such as Tonya’s. The committee will provide a forum for open and inclusive discussions, involving healthcare professionals, Tonya’s family, and other relevant stakeholders. By examining the ethical dimensions of the case, the committee can offer insights into how competing values and interests should be balanced. During the disagreement between the medical team and the family regarding the continuation of life support, the committee can foster open dialogue, ensuring that all perspectives are considered, and that information is effectively communicated. The Joint Commission would encompass aspects such as the management of life support, communication with the family, and the overall quality of medical interventions. Compliance with these standards will ensure that the hospital Tonya is at delivers its care or establishes benchmarks as it relates to the mission of the hospital. In my profession, the AMA Code of Medical Ethics provides ethical guidelines for physicians in the United States. It covers a wide range of topics which includes patient confidentiality, informed consent, and physician- patient relationships but there are principles relevant to decisions regarding life support and end-

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