Ethics in the Field of Medicine - Essay Example

Insert Ethics guide professional practice to ensure that professionals stick to the stipulated procedures that protect the interests of the client s who utilize their services (Smith & Churchill 1986). The code of ethics forms the basis for discipline in professional practice and as a reference point for passing verdicts incase of malpractices. Although professional practices vary in their field of specialty, there are ethical codes that sweep across all professions, and they lay down the structure of how clients should be handled, as well as how their interests should be served. This write up will explore the professional ethics and codes of practice in medicine profession as well as explore the ethical considerations that are prioritized when making a decision in this field. The first ethical foundation in the field of medicine governs the relationship between the patient and the physician. In this relationship, the interests of the client take precedence as the physician has the obligation to revere the rights of the patient and those of other professionals in the health sector. Patients have a fundamental right of making personal decisions about their health, and this should be observed and respected by physicians. Discrimination of patients on the grounds of their race, sexual orientation and gender should be avoided at all cost. The second ethical foundation covers the practice and conduct of physicians who are expected to observe the highest levels of honesty possible by human beings (Smith & Churchill, 1986). They should avoid misrepresenting themselves in communication or behaving in a deceptive manner. Physician has an obligation of updating their knowledge through continuous studies to help them maintain the highest level of competence in their duties. This ethical foundation further states those physicians who engage in any behavior that undermines the then doctors’ ability to perform his duties effectively should be dealt with immediately (Smith & Churchill, 1986). Health professionals should deal with conflicting interests using the public disclosure. When resolving these conflicts the best interests of the client should be given the first priority. Physicians should link the gap between the health policies and the policies of health infrastructure and the patients’ understanding, to ensure that patients utilize the best services that are available in a hospital (Miles, 2005). There should also be cooperation between all the health professionals to enhance strength development, and team building. Physicians owe the society a lot of responsibilities through their services and practice. They should therefore engage into practices that improve the quality of the society in all ways. Any activities that contradict this responsibility should be avoided in all possible ways (Miles, 2005). Physicians are also restricted against undertaking any practice that is not within their area of specialty or give any advice to patients on issues that are out of the jurisdiction their professional authority. The above codes of ethics build a strong foundation upon which the questions in this paper will be addressed. Q 1 Jerry’s training allowed him to refill the order of drugs to the patient. His professional training as a medical assistant qualifies him to perform several duties in the hospital. This may include clerical work, as well assisting the doctors in serving the patients (Miles, 2005). Other duties include administration of medication and getting patients ready for treatment. Last but to mention, what Jerry did was within his jurisdiction. Q 2 It would make a difference if the patient was requesting for medication to control the blood pressure. Such a complicated medical issue might require thorough examination to determine the exact status of the patient’s blood pressure, and thus help in administering the right dosage (Miles, 2005). Alternatively, he can consider contacting the patient’s physician for precise directions on what to do with that particular situation. The friendship of the patient and the physician may not be important in such a case for a patient may not be trusted with information that pertains to their blood pressure level. Q4 The respondent superior doctrine implies that the employers or the superiors assume the responsibility of the actions that are done by their employers or the subordinates (Mclean, 1996). The case of Jerry can takes two sides depending on the circumstances at play. If Jerry consulted the doctor on the way forward regarding the issue of refilling the order and it happens that the doctor gave him a green light to proceed, Jerry would have followed the guidelines of his superior, and remain covered by the doctrine of then respondent superior (Mclean, 1996). However, if Jerry applied his best judgment and went ahead to refill the order as requested by the patient, then he will not be protected by the doctrine against law suit for his action. Q 5 My advice for Jerry would be to avoid doing anything following his emotional judgment, but to follow the right procedure to protect his own in test and those of then patient. This will protect him from brushing shoulders with his superior. Q 6 The ethical and legal issues that will affect Jerry’s decision include risking a law pursuit against him should the patient develop any complications from the drugs that Jerry administered to him (Mclean, 1996). If he fails to give the patient the drugs that he was requesting the he would be violating the ethical principle that state that patients have the right to make decisions con concerning their health. He will also be pushed by the ethical principle that state that, the interest of the patient should be given the first priority. Q 7 The problem solving techniques that can be applied in making ethical decisions includes brainstorming techniques and split second decision making techniques. In brain storming technique generates a large number of ideas that can be used to solve a wide range of problems. This method is essential in making long term decisions for long term projects as it puts in to consideration all the underlying factors. The split second decision making approach is applied when emergency ethical decisions have to be made to save a patient who needs emergency attention. At such a time some ethical principle may be violated as the patient is deemed to be unable to make any sound decisions concerning their health. In conclusion, ethical principles are very important in guiding professional practice and protecting the consumer from malpractices by the professionals. These ethical principles in the field of medicine bind the practitioners together and ensure that they remain true to t heir course by providing admirable le medical services to members of the society. Medical practitioners owe a lot of responsibility to the society, and the excellent way to respond to these responsibilities is by streamlining the health infrastructure for easier access by public members. References Mclean S. (1996).Contemporary issues in law, medicine and ethics. New York: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Miles S.H. (2005).The Hippocratic Oath and the Ethics of Medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Smith, H.L. & Churchill, L.R. (1986). Professional ethics and primary care medicine: beyond dilemmas and decorum. Duke: Duke University Press. Read More