Ten Ethical Issues to Address with Your Patients - from Medical Ethics For Dummies

1.       Confidentiality in the Patient Visit

It could be very harmful if someone’s medical information were to become public. You can certainly imagine a situation where a person might be denied employment because of a medical condition, or when medical information may be used against someone in divorce proceedings.

2.       Informed Consent

A patient must be instructed on the risks and benefits of evaluations or tests, treatments, or medications prescribed, and procedures or surgeries performed. The primary ethical principle here is autonomy. Patients can make the best decisions about their healthcare when they are well-informed.

3.       Integration of Religious and Cultural Beliefs into Patient Care

It’s important that as a provider, you understand your patients’ cultural and religious practices – many of them integral to their very being. It’s a great benefit to the patient that he is understood as a whole person. In this setting, healing is more likely to occur.

4.       The Ethics of Clinical Research

As a provider, whether you are a researcher or a physician with patients involved in trials, you must make sure the patient clearly understands the study in which he is participating and the safeguards in place to shield him from harm.

5.       Help for the Uninsured

There are many people who are uninsured or underinsured in the United States. Many people are burdened or even bankrupted by medical bills. It’s critical that you give all patients the best care possible, regardless of their economic status. However, it’s also helpful to understand your patient’s financial situation. If they’re willing to talk about it. The goal is to try to not add to the problems he’s experiencing by ordering more expensive tests or medications then necessary.

6.       Screening for Genetic Diseases

Genetic testing, for adults and pregnant women, can give the patient information to help guide medical and personal decisions. But sometimes harm can come from too much information. It’s important that your patients understand the ethical issues associated with genetic screening.

7.       Ethical Dilemmas in Infertility

Infertility is one of the most difficult situations a couple can face. It’s a journey of emotional extremes and may lead to decisions involving more advanced technologies such as IVF. There are a number of ethical issues associated with these technologies, and it’s helpful to the patient and her partner if they understand them before proceeding.

8.       Minimize Suffering in Terminal Conditions

As a patient’s pain is controlled, more beneficence is achieved. But, medications to relieve pain, primarily narcotics, can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and even death. Overuse of these medications can reduce autonomy by sedating the patient so he can’t make decisions.

9.       The Living Will Discussion

Very few patients are interested in deciding if they would like CPR, tube feedings, or terminal sedation at the end of life, especially when they are living healthy, active lives. However, all patients should be encouraged to complete a healthcare directive or living will, especially those who are elderly, those who have serious or terminal medical conditions, or those facing major surgery.

10.   Honor the Patient-Provider Relationship

Remember that excellent care of the patient is always your highest priority. Think about the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice, and how they might apply in each individual situation. Don’t be afraid to admit mistakes. Remember that you won’t always be able to offer a treatment or cure, but you can always offer your ongoing support and compassion for a patient during difficult times.