NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

Name

Capella university

NHS FPX 4000 Developing a Health Care Perspective

Prof. Name

Date

Applying Ethical Principles

In the case study of 50-year-old famous Native American artist John Blackrock, diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, he expresses a desire to forgo conventional treatment in favor of traditional Native American practices. Dr. Emily Stone, his oncologist, recommends surgery followed by chemotherapy, but John’s cultural beliefs lead him to seek healing through herbal medicine, spiritual rituals, and guidance from tribal elders. Dr. Stone faces a moral dilemma as she balances John’s autonomy with her duty to ensure the best possible outcome, considering the potential impact of his decision on his health and community (Capella University, n.d.). This assessment will explore potential ethical solutions to address the complexities presented in John’s case.

Case Study Facts

The ethical dilemma presented in this case study is the conflict between respecting John’s autonomy and cultural beliefs while ensuring his best possible outcome. Dr. Stone is concerned that without timely medical intervention, John’s condition may worsen, potentially leading to a grim prognosis. However, she must balance this concern with John’s right to make decisions about his healthcare based on his cultural beliefs. The individuals involved or affected by the ethical problem include John Blackrock, who is facing a life-altering medical diagnosis, and Dr. Emily Stone, who must navigate the complexities of cultural diversity, patient autonomy, and beneficence in providing care for John.

The facts gleaned from the case study have led to the emergence of an ethical dilemma as follows:

• Cultural Competence in Healthcare Delivery: According to a study published in Academic Medicine, cultural competency in healthcare delivery pertains to the ability to comprehend and honor patients’ cultural ideas, values, and customs and provide culturally sensitive care (Brottman et al., 2020). This supports the analysis of the case study by emphasizing the importance of Dr. Stone recognizing and respecting John Blackrock’s cultural heritage and beliefs regarding healing practices. By acknowledging John’s cultural background, Dr. Stone can establish trust and rapport with him, which is crucial for effective communication and shared decision-making.

NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

• Patient Autonomy and Treatment Decision-Making: Research supports the principle of patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making, affirming the right of individuals to make choices about their medical care. A study by DuMontier et al. (2021) explores the complexities of patient autonomy in treatment decision-making among cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of providing patients with relevant information, respecting their values and preferences, and supporting their decision-making process. In John’s case, his desire to forgo conventional treatment in favor of traditional Native American practices reflects his autonomy in making decisions about his healthcare based on his cultural beliefs and values.
• Ethical Considerations for Healthcare Providers: Healthcare professionals are obligated by the ethical principle of beneficence to behave in their patients’ best interests, promoting their well-being and enhancing their health outcomes. The article by Bester, 2020 emphasizes that by adhering to evidence-based practice, healthcare providers uphold the principle of beneficence by recommending treatments and interventions known to be effective and beneficial for their patients. In John Blackrock’s case, Dr. Stone’s recommendation of surgery followed by chemotherapy aligns with the principle of beneficence ​​because it gives John the best opportunity to fully recovery based on current medical knowledge and clinical expertise.

Effectiveness of Communication Approaches in the Case Study

In the case study of John Blackrock, the healthcare professional, Dr. Emily Stone, communicated with sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity. She initially recommended evidence-based treatment options to John while acknowledging his cultural beliefs and autonomy. Dr. Stone engaged in open dialogue with John, actively listening to his perspectives and validating his cultural heritage. However, Dr. Stone faced an ethical conflict while communicating, which created a question mark due to differences in opinions between the provider and the patient.

Practical communication approaches in this case include active listening, empathy, and cultural competence (Marja & Suvi, 2021). Dr. Stone should continue prioritizing these approaches to foster trust and understanding with John, ultimately leading to a collaborative decision-making process. Avoiding paternalistic attitudes and demonstrating sensitivity to cultural differences is essential to effective communication in healthcare settings (Marja & Suvi, 2021).

Effective communication has the following consequences: improved health outcomes, adherence to treatment protocols, and increased patient satisfaction (Marja & Suvi, 2021). By actively listening to John’s perspectives and involving him in decision-making, Dr. Stone can build a solid therapeutic relationship, leading to better treatment adherence and overall satisfaction. In contrast, ineffective communication approaches may result in mistrust, misunderstandings, and potentially harmful health outcomes for the patient (Marja & Suvi, 2021). Therefore, healthcare professionals should prioritize effective communication strategies that promote patient-centered care and cultural sensitivity to optimize patient outcomes.

Effectiveness of the Approach to Ethical Practice in the Case Study

Dr. Emily Stone’s approach in this case study aligns with the ethical decision-making model, encompassing moral awareness, judgment, and behavior. Firstly, Dr. Stone demonstrates moral awareness by recognizing the ethical dilemma presented by John’s desire to forgo conventional treatment in favor of traditional Native American practices. She acknowledges the cultural and personal factors influencing John’s decision, illustrating her awareness of the complex ethical considerations involved.

Secondly, Dr. Stone exercises moral judgment by carefully evaluating the options available and considering their implications for John’s health and well-being. She weighs the benefits and risks of both conventional and traditional treatments, seeking to make decisions that align with the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Lastly, Dr. Stone exhibits ethical behavior by respecting John’s autonomy and cultural beliefs while advocating for evidence-based treatment options. 

NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

The consequences of using practical approaches include enhanced trust and rapport between Dr. Stone and John, which leads to better treatment adherence and improved health outcomes. Additionally, effective ethical decision-making promotes patient-centered care, resulting in greater satisfaction and overall well-being for the patient. In contrast, ineffective approaches may lead to mistrust, misunderstandings, and potentially adverse health outcomes (Lizotte et al., 2020).

Failing to recognize or respect John’s cultural beliefs could break communication and trust, hindering the therapeutic relationship and compromising the quality of care provided. This case highlights the importance of cultural competence and patient-centered care in ethical practice. Healthcare professionals should prioritize understanding and respecting patients’ cultural backgrounds while advocating for evidence-based treatments, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Applying Ethical Principles to a Possible Solution

In addressing the ethical problem presented in the case study of John Blackrock, a possible solution is for Dr. Emily Stone to collaboratively develop a treatment plan with John that integrates aspects of both conventional medical care and traditional Native American healing practices (Jobe et al., 2020). This approach respects John’s autonomy and cultural beliefs while prioritizing evidence-based treatment to optimize his health outcomes. This approach makes Dr. Stone more effective in building relationships across disciplines within her organization by demonstrating openness to alternative perspectives and a willingness to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

By acknowledging the value of conventional healing modalities, Dr. Stone can foster mutual respect and understanding among colleagues from diverse backgrounds, leading to greater collaboration and cohesion within the healthcare team (Jobe et al., 2020). The proposed solution is likely to foster professional cooperation by promoting a patient-centered approach that prioritizes the well-being and preferences of the individual. By engaging in open dialogue and collaborative decision-making with John and incorporating input from other healthcare professionals, Dr. Stone can create a treatment plan that draws on the expertise of multiple disciplines and promotes holistic care. This collaborative approach will likely enhance communication, trust, and teamwork among healthcare providers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients like John (Vázquez et al., 2020). 

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Blackrock’s case highlights the vital role of cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care in healthcare ethics. Dr. Emily Stone’s approach, guided by ethical principles and effective communication, emphasizes respect for patient autonomy while aiming for optimal outcomes. Through collaboration and cultural awareness, healthcare professionals can provide compassionate care tailored to the individual needs and values of each patient.

References

 Bester, J. C. (2020). Beneficence, interests, and wellbeing in medicine: What it means to provide benefit to patients. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(3), 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2020.1714793 

Brottman, M. R., Char, D. M., Hattori, R. A., Heeb, R., & Taff, S. D. (2020). Toward cultural competency in health care. Academic Medicine, 95(5), 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000002995

Capella University (n.d.). Ethical Case Studies. Capella Library Online.

DuMontier, C., Loh, K. P., Soto-Perez-de-Celis, E., & Dale, W. (2021). Decision making in older adults with cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(19), 2164–2174. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.21.00165 

Jobe, I., Lindberg, B., & Engström, Å. (2020). Health and social care professionals’ experiences of collaborative planning—Applying the person‐centred practice framework. Nursing Open, 7(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.597 

NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles

Lizotte, M.-H., Barrington, K. J., Sultan, S., Pennaforte, T., Moussa, A., Lachance, C., Sureau, M., Zao, Y., & Janvier, A. (2020). Techniques to communicate better with parents during end-of-life scenarios in neonatology. Pediatrics, 145(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-1925 

Marja, silén-Lipponen, & Suvi, A. (2021). Cultural competence learning of the health care students using simulation pedagogy: An integrative review. Nurse Education in Practice, 103044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103044 

Vázquez, V. C., Fajas, C. C., Delgado-Marroquín, M. T., Botaya, R. M., Martín, M. R., & Salgado, J. G. (2020). Interventions to facilitate shared decision-making using decision aids with patients in primary health care. Medicine, 99(32), e21389. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000021389