Chapter 2: Principles of Autonomy and Informed Consent The principle of autonomy states one shall not treat a patient without the informed consent of the patient or his or her lawful surrogate, except in narrowly defined emergencies. The patient’s free will is exercised even though they may not demonstrate the capacity of developing their own decisions. The health care professional, by irrefutable law, is required to respect patient’s rights while providing a clear understanding to the consequences of their decisions. Although some patients are legally incompetent they are still ethically competent to make decisions about their treatment. The informed consent presents the treatment information in an understandable manner in an effort to avoid any misunderstandings leading to a possible delay in care.
This form is shorter than the others, as the fact that the patient is expected to remain alert during the procedure makes some of the information covered in forms 1 and 2 unnecessary. The use of this form is optional. • Form 4 for adults who lack capacity to consent to a particular treatment. As no-one else can give consent on behalf of such a patient, they may only be treated if that treatment is believed to be in their ‘best interests’. This form requires health professionals to document both how they have come to the conclusion that the patient lacks the capacity to make this particular healthcare decision, and why the proposed treatment would be in the patient’s best interests.
This includes any verbal, written, telephonic, audio or video recorded information. Both ethical codes assert that the counselor and the clients should agree and set the limits of confidentiality. The counselors are also not permitted to share clients’ confidential information among themselves unless the client has given his or her consent. Both ethical codes also provide that records of the counseling proceedings should be kept in a secure location where they will not get into the wrong hands. One major contrast in the area of confidence is that; while the ACA ethical codes allow the counselor to immediately disclose client’s information on the issue of a subpoena, AACC ethical codes on the other hand provide that the counselor shall not disclose the information immediately but shall first give the client an opportunity to consult with his or her
Assignment 1: Application of the Normative Ethical Theories For this assignment, I have chosen Case 1.2. This case deals with a psychiatrist, Dr. Smith, in private practise who works with child abusers. He feels client confidentiality is paramount in being able to treat these people effectively and as a result does not report the abuse to the authorities, nor does he mention anything about child abuse in the client’s records. The question the study guide asks us to consider is “Is Dr. Smith’s confidentiality policy morally justifiable.” This takes a look at his overall actions. Simpler questions would be “Is Dr. Smith’s intentional practise of omitting important information relevant to his client’s treatment ethical?” or “Is Dr. Smith’s failure to report his client’s actions to the authorities morally justifiable?” Both would be good questions, but I believe the question the study guide asks us to consider embrace both of these questions.
Practicing Ethical Framework Rachel Gable GCU NRS437 January 13, 2013 Practicing Ethical Framework Appling Ethical Frameworks in Practice Patient confidentiality is a major factor dominating healthcare today. Patient confidentiality means that all personal information, along with health care issue revealed, cannot be disclosed to any person other than the patient or anyone that patient authorizes. Confidentiality is a legal right of every patient and is an ethical duty of the entire medical community (Bourke, 2008). Maintaining confidentiality and privacy between the healthcare provider and patient allows for a trustworthy relationship between the two, especially with adolescent patients. This paper will discuss confidentiality, confidentiality breach implications, ethical principles, alternatives and ethical committee applications to an ethical dilemma.
They must constantly evaluate and review any treatment given so as to keep the best interests of the client and to help them in the most effective way possible, i.e never prolonging treatment unnecessarily. A therapist must never cloud their relationship with clients by bringing prejudice concerning race, sexuality or prejudice of any other kind. Gaining medical background information is vital as this may reveal hidden conditions, such as psychosis, which should never be treated by hypnotherapy. If the therapist is at all in doubt they should seek a GP’s consent for therapy. It is best that ‘dual relationships’ are avoided, such as when the therapist knows the client as a friend as this can be detrimental to the client.
4.1Posted on January 29, 2011 by admin Assessment Criteria: 5.1 Explain the term confidentiality Answers: Confidentiality means not sharing information about people without their knowledge and agreement, and ensuring that written and electronic information cannot be accessed or read by people who have no reason to see it. Confidentiality is important because: * Clients may not trust a support worker who does not keep information confidential * Clients may not feel valued or able to keep their self-esteem if their private details are shared with others. * Client’s safety may be put at risk if details of their property and habits are shared publicly. The types of information that is considered confidential can include: * name, date of birth, age, sex and address * current contact details of family, guardian etc * bank details * medical history or records * personal care issues * service records and file progress notes * individual personal plans * assessments or reports * guardianship orders * incoming or outgoing personal correspondence. Other information relating to ethic or racial origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health or sexual lifestyle should also be considered confidential.
Fifth, the physician assisted suicide should only be carried out in a meaningful doctor patient relationship. A physician should not be forced to participate in any act they deem unethical. Sixth, consultation with another experienced physician is required to ensure it is a sincere request. The patient and immediate family should attend counseling sessions to emotionally prepare for “treatment”. And lastly, all the steps should be clearly documented using an electronic video source, and through the patient’s paper file.
2007). These principles work in collaboration with each other for the patient, which endeavours to do the best in order to protect the patient from any harm (Dimond, 2008). However, Pozar (2006), Griffiths and Tenghah (2008) argue these two principles should outweigh respect for autonomy in life threatening situations, except when a competent patient is able to comprehend the life-threatening risk without the influence of others, then legally and morally professionals must respect the patient’s right to autonomy. Yet with regards to justice there is an obligation to treat people fairly and not to judge or discriminate against them in anyway (Dimond 2008). Whereas by definition, paternalism restricts a person’s right to autonomy, and takes another person’s autonomous right away and makes decision on their behalf, even if it is contrary to the wishes of the patient (Beauchamp and Childress 2001).
On the contrary, a primary care physician or a family doctor does not have specialized knowledge of human behaviors. Their knowledge are more about internal functions of the body and medicinal pharmacodynamics aspects, so prescribing ADHD medications would not be appropriate on their term. The above step-by-step procedures are the recommended actions when a child is suspected of ADHD. Hence, in order for a child to be concluded of having ADHD, a psychiatrist must use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV).