Ethics has always been a crucial component in most professions. The health profession, in particular, has become one of the most definitive areas whose existence is profoundly shaped by ethics. Indeed, ethics form a critical element in the medical profession. In fact, nowhere is the link between biomedical ethics and the field of law evident as in cases of medical malpractice. If ethical conduct is not prioritized, medical personnel and other hospital staff may stray and engage in unscrupulous activities that can cost the life of patients. Apart from being in charge of the health of individuals, medics and hospital staff have the duty to safeguard the records; which is a crucial thing as well.
Describe the ethical issues that led to the malpractice case and explain why the issues are credited with causing the incident. Support your response with research and relevant examples from the case.
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Ethical conduct revolves around proficiency, responsibility, and keenness in duty accomplishment (Moskop, 2016). Negligence was one ethical issue that led to the malpractice. Also, the lack of professional competence and keenness are other moral issues that led to the misconduct. The specific ethical issues revolving around the case are based on negligence, integrity, and incompetence. Also, the lack of integrity in one’s profession can be perceived as unethical. Integrity involves keenness and competence in task accomplishment. From the case of Iturralde v. Hilo Medical Center, Dr. Robert Ricketson misplacing the two titanium rods and replacing them with screwdrivers was very unprofessional and irresponsible (Findlaw, 2012). It also showed lack of integrity and incompetence. When integrated, all these elements describe unethical conduct.
Describe an ethical theory that would help resolve the issue and provide a safe, quality healthcare experience for the patient. Support your response with research and relevant examples from the case.
An ethical theory that would resolve this issue is deontology. This theory emphasizes the prioritization and commitment to one’s duties and responsibilities in the medical field (Rich & Butts). The onus and responsibility of Dr. Robert Ricketson were to conduct a proper surgery and not to misplace the titanium rods or use the screwdrivers for the operation. If doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel adopt this ethical theory, they will be motivated to commit to their duties which will lead to them being extremely keen and proficient. Ethical Principlism is yet another ethical theory that can be applied in this case. It revolves around using morals and transparency in decision-making. If Dr. Robert were more transparent, professional and moral, he would discontinue the surgery after misplacing the titanium rods; consequently, the incident would have been avoided . The adoption of this theory will enable medical practitioners to increase their integrity, keenness, and proficiency while in the line of duty.
Select a physician-patient shared decision-making model and explain how it would provide a safe, quality healthcare experience for the patient
An amicable solution between a physician and a patient can be achieved by integrating a physician-patient shared decision-making model, especially during critical medical conditions like Iturralde’s surgery. Ecological model is one of the shared decision-making models that exist. It involves the active participation of both the patient and physician (Moskop, 2016). It involves termed information seeking where the physician asks several questions that are related to the patient’s health. Afterward, the physician outlines the available remedies/treatments after which they recommend what they think is the best way. The patient inquires and asks for clarifications before deciding what they want. This would provide quality and safe healthcare to the patient because it would lead to proficiency and integrity in the provision of healthcare services. It is a practical model and had it been applied effectively in the Iturralde v. Hilo Medical Center case, the outcome would have been different.
Propose ethical guidelines that would have helped prevent the incident and would help the organization prevent future incidents
The Ethical principles that would have helped prevent the incident include upholding of high integrity, professionalism, and morality. These guidelines revolve around the professional conduct of a person, and if Dr. Robert had followed them, the chance of using the wrong surgical material and later the death of Iturralde would not have occurred. If properly considered, these guidelines can also help prevent future incidents.
Defend how your proposed ethical guidelines will hold healthcare providers accountable to themselves, their profession, their patients, and the public
The above ethical guidelines hold healthcare providers accountable since they stress on the element of responsibility, integrity, and professional compentency. Through the ethical guidelines, medical providers have a higher sense and regard for their professional duty to patients, the public, and themselves. For these reasons, they are highly motivated to be proficient in their duties and responsibilitie. This will go a long way in minimizing cases like the one of Iturralde v. Hilo Medical Center.
References
Findlaw, (2012). ITURRALDE v. HILO MEDICAL CENTER USA, No. 28792 . Retrieved from http://caselaw.findlaw.com/hi-intermediate-court-of-appeals/1597588.html
Moskop, J. C. (2016). Ethics and Health Care : An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
Rich, K. & Butts, J. B. Foundations of Ethical Nursing Practice. Jones and Bartlett Learning. Retrieved from http://samples.jbpub.com/9781449691509/81982_CH04_Pass1.pdf
