A CNN report aimed at informing the audience about negligence in a hospital in the United States. According to the CNN, Barbara Dawson’s (patient) death should have been avoided. The report demonstrated a case of medical negligence and an act of bad faith. The medical officers violated all the ethical principles that ought to guide the relationship between the patient and the health care providers. Prior to the incidence leading to her death, Barbara had decline the doctors attempt to have her discharged. She was within her right to refuse. The principle of autonomy gives the patient the right to make choices concerning her health.
The reporting by CNN was credible to a certain extent. The victim was within her rights to refuse to be discharged if she still felt unwell. From the news, it appears that the doctors were not keen when discharging their duties. For instance, where she refused to go home, the medical officer should have established the reasons behind her action. Instead of calling the police, the hospital should have addressed the case. In fact, that was not the first time that Barbara had visited the hospital. I think that the patient was treated unfairly and the medical practitioners in the hospitals violated the principles of nonmaleficence and benevolence. The patient complained that she could not breathe. It was the responsibility of the health care providers to ensure that the patient was treated fairly within its premises. The medical practitioners owe the patient the duty of care. They are not supposed to harm the patient. What is observed in the CNN video is contrary to what the doctors and nurses are expected to do. There is evidence that the hospital put the welfare of the patient first. When the hospital decided to call the police, it is evident that it was trying to protect its interests and not that of the patient. Therefore, I think that the hospital should be held accountable for the death of Barbara Dawson.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Despite the perceived credibility in the reporting, CNN failed in addressing other major factors that might have contributed to the case. While the medical practitioners should take full responsibility for negligence, it is equally important to focus on factors beyond their control. Another report titled ‘Causes of Medical Malpractices’ has a different take on the issue of medical errors. The report indicates that in the United States, cases of medical errors and negligence have been common. One of the main causes has been the lack of effective diagnostic equipment and fatigue. The CNN reported that the doctor had found the patient fit to be discharged. That was as far as the knowledge of the doctor was concerned. Instead of putting all the blame on medical practitioners, CNN should have also taken the time to look at the working conditions at the hospital. Employee fatigue is also a major issue in most hospitals. While hospitals continue to expand and have an increased number of patients, management does little to recruit more workers. The available employees are overworked, which affects their morale and productivity. Medical errors can occur if the doctor or nurse works for long hours with little motivation in the workplace. The CNN did not provide such information to support their claim that the medical errors should have been blamed entirely on the doctors. The judgment is unfair and biased. It is important to focus on the issue from a wider perspective to make an informed conclusion.
There are similarities and differences between the two reports. The similarity is that the two reports point to the issue of medical errors or negligence. Both reports agree that medical errors should not occur because of their devastating effects. However, the two reports differ on the explanation. The CNN is biased because it only focuses on the problem, rather than its causes. The report seeks to appeal to the emotions of the audience for some interests, which might include increasing the viewership. The other report does mention the issue of medical errors, but goes ahead to explain the causes. The report by the CNN might not help the policymakers in improving the conditions at the hospitals. However, the other report is useful because it has outlined a number of factors, which if addressed, can enhance quality of services at the hospitals.
The problem with the CNN report is caused by the sociocentric thinking. The thinking behind the report is uncritical and of narrow perspective. As a result, it is unable to provide objective information that can assist in addressing a social problem. sociocentric thinking occurs when a group of people want to perpetuate a prevailing status quo or to justify particular beliefs. There is a common belief in most societies that doctors do not adhere to their ethical codes when handling patients. From the reporting, it is very clear that CNN did nothing to analyze the issue, but instead was quick to apportion the blame. In conclusion, the reporting by the CNN was of national interest, but it was biased.
