Ethics applied in the field of healthcare are concerned with moral decision-making circumstances that arise in the process of administration of treatment to patients. There are mechanisms and policies devised to conduct such practice (Scott, 2017). The most commonly used principles in healthcare include autonomy which states that every patient has a right of choice and therefore, no medical professional should influence their decision making through persuasion or any other way. These also means that any risks occurred are treated as consequences of the patient’s decision-making, and thus, are not to be blamed on medical personnel.
The principle of beneficence states that medical practitioners are entitled and must use their utmost skills and power to benefit the patient in whatever situation (Scott, 2017) . In the case of Tonya, a girl who went into cardiac arrest and later suffered brain death, the principle of beneficence had been practiced by the healthcare providers who did everything they could to help her survive but the only option that was left after her brain death situation was to practice euthanasia, which the doctors could only carry out if the parents agreed according to the principle of autonomism. Thus, all procedures and treatments recommended must be to do the most good for the patient. Another principle is justice which dictates that fairness has to be upheld in all medical decisions. Tonya's doctors therefore must ensure that procedures used to uphold the present laws and are fair to their patients.
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An ethical framework is required to aid in healthcare practices as they tell us what to do morally. Consequentiality theory shows that the moral status of an action is determined by the value or the results it brings about. In Tonya's case, the postulate to maximize happiness over suffering should be applied; hence the doctors should do what is morally right to ease Tonya's pain and suffering. Every person has the right to live with dignity until their last breath as stated by the deontology theory. The physicians should ensure this is respected. It is, therefore, understandable that Tonya's parents believe that their daughter deserves a chance to live, and are protecting her with the hope that she will get better.
Ethical codes are meant to clarify responsibilities and duties within an occupation as well as issue guidance to the healthcare workers in addressing regular ethical questions ( Epstein, & Turner, 2015) . An example is the American Nursing Association (ANA) code which states that nurses ought to be supportive and practice discernment concerning the decision to be made, based on ethical principles. The code dictates that medical practitioners should, under no circumstances, take part in diminishing language, brutality, racism, or harassment in any way to the sick. They are also obligated to be compassionate and respectful of the decisions made by their patients concerning their health as long as it poses no risk to the patient. If Tonya’s doctors were not compassionate, they would probably not have bothered to explain to Tonya’s parents why they should consider euthanasia instead of keeping her in the life support machine. Nurses should collaborate with the public and other medical practitioners to reduce health disparities as stated in the ANA code. In Tonya's case, her parents wanted her to continue life on the life support machines but the doctors advised otherwise, that it would do no good since the brain is already dead. They provided information that was essential to their patient without holding back so that when Tonya’s parents make a decision, they are aware of every risk and possibility occurrence.
Organizational missions should showcase the distinctiveness of the hospital's services and explain its existence purpose ( MacLeod, 2016) . They are meant to better the lifelong health of patients, to give hope, and to be compassionate. In this case, the doctors should be promoting the patient’s choice but since Tonya is a minor, the parent’s choice should be put into consideration. The value statements which define how the people in an organization should conduct themselves are essential as they provide the guidelines of decision making. They emphasize the importance of relating to patients in the field of professional caregivers.
Accreditation is a voluntary program that permits healthcare organizations to evaluate and demonstrate their compliance with pre-set standards ( Hong, & Park, 2016). Accrediting bodies play a huge role in ensuring that hospitals are implementing health safety standards in their practice to maximize positive outcomes from patients. An example of an accrediting organization is the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) which serves to ensure the quality of healthcare. Patients want to feel safe in the hospitals they choose to trust with their lives. If the hospital where Tonya is admitted is registered with an accrediting body, then there is the assurance that the right standards and procedures will be followed and upheld. The JCAHO ensures hospitals employ effective care and good treatment for their patients. If accreditation is done right, it can prove to be a strong tool to offer that assurance.
References
Scott, P. A. (2017). Ethical Principles in Healthcare Research. In Key Concepts and Issues in Nursing Ethics (pp. 191-205). Springer, Cham.
MacLeod, L. (2016). Aligning Mission, Vision, and Values: The Nurse Leader's Role. Nurse Leader , 14 (6), 438-441.
Epstein, B., & Turner, M. (2015). The nursing code of ethics: Its value, its history. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing , 20 (2), 1-10.
Hong, M. H., & Park, J. Y. (2016). Nurses' perception of accreditation, awareness and performance of infection control in an accredited healthcare system. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration , 22 (2), 167-177.
