PHI 413V Principles of Medical Ethics

The four principles of medical ethics are respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice (Grand Canyon University [GCU], 2020). Autonomy is usually categorized as the most important of the four, giving the individual the respect to make autonomous decisions of care (GCU, 2020). Autonomy or the ability to make own choices on matters can become complicated if one is not able to make decisions on their own; such as an infant, a coerced patient, incapacitated patient, or the exploited patient (GCU, 2020). However according to the Christian worldview, every human is deserving of moral status, so deserves respect and dignity (GCU, 2020). With patients who are unable to make autonomous decisions, it is the care provider’s duty to protect and care for their patients or ensure nonmaleficence and beneficence are upheld (GCU, 2020). Nonmaleficence or to do no harm is incredibly important, but in medical practice patients are routinely given IVs or in the case of surgery, injuries created; one must ensure the amount of good outweighs the bad (GCU, 2020) Beneficence can be described broadly as actions to benefit other people by positive beneficence and utility (GCU, 2020). Positive beneficence provides benefits to others and utility is the balance of benefits, risks, and costs to produce the best results (GCU, 2020). And last but certainly not least, justice; justice can be described as fairness, rendering what is due and impartial care (GCU, 2020). Different groups will hold the 4 principals at different ranks, and even in different situations. In the context of the Christian biblical narrative, the principals are ordered beneficence, nonmaleficence, patient autonomy, and justice (GCU, 2020). Personally, I have a hard time ranking these principals, of course, they are all extremely important and I would like to think they are all simultaneously at work in our healthcare system. I feel as if putting justice last doesn’t make sense, I feel as if we have to start by a fair distribution of all, including these principles, fairness and then onto prevention of harm, and autonomy.

ORDER NOW FOR ORIGINAL, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPERS

References

Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2020). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values

and decision making in health care. Retrieved from

https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-

and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/home

Dq2

Jessica Henderson

4 posts

Re: Topic 3 DQ 1

The four core principles of bioethics are a complex set of ideas created in part to keep people safe and provide a road map for health care providers to follow when situations arise they provide the answers to what is “right” when it is not completely clear. I believe that all four principles hold a valuable place, but I would place respect for autonomy at the top of the list. People have the right to their own views and make medical decisions based on those views and as their nurse, I must respect those wishes. Nonmaleficence, above all, do no harm would be next in my order of importance. Beneficence, the principle that all forms of actions are intended to benefit the other person while preventing harm to others. It seems that nonmaleficence is included in beneficence. Lastly, in order is justice, not because fairness is not important, but because if you use respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, and beneficence, the choices made will likely be just. Not all scenarios will apply because there are too many variables.PHI 413V Principles of Medical Ethics

In the context of the Christian biblical narrative I think the four core principles would go in the following order: Nonmaleficence, Justice, Beneficence, and then respect for Autonomy. Christians believe that we were created by God and in his image. I would conclude that nonmaleficence would come first in the Christian view because harming something that God made is inherently wrong. Justice would be next because God is fair and impartial. Beneficence seems to include nonmaleficence to some degree and since it is first, Beneficence would be next after Justice. Respect for autonomy is greatly important however, I am placing it last in the Christian perspective because if the persons personal view was different that that of the Christian view it would hold less value. For example, the women who seeks out an abortion. She is an autonomous person free to make that choice, however the Christian view to do no harm would overrule her autonomy.PHI 413V Principles of Medical Ethics

Reference:

Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2020). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in health care. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/home

Dq3

Rufina Ergasheva

2 posts

Re: Topic 3 DQ 1

The four principles of respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice are too general and vague to give straight rules for resolving many ethical dilemmas. Each of the principles should be applied in a specific case or situation. In some cases, principles can come into conflict with each other.
I probably will rank number one is Beneficence because that principle can be applied to everyone including innocent babies, people with mental illnesses, suicidal people, who due to their mental status may not be able to make the right decision. This principle states that health care providers must do all they can to benefit the patient in each situation. All procedures and treatments recommended must be with the intention to do the most good for the patient. To ensure beneficence, medical practitioners must develop and maintain a high level of skill and knowledge, make sure that they are trained in the most current and best medical practices, and must consider their patients’ individual circumstances; what is good for one patient will not necessarily benefit another.
Number two I would choose Respect for autonomy- Respect for autonomy means respecting what happens to an individual’s own body. This means that our patients can decide what treatment they want, and the right to refuse treatment, medications or surgeries. Even though it may not be in the best interest of our patients, it is a decision that must be respected by all. An example of this is blood transfusions in a Jehovah Witness patient. Although we know that it can be a matter of life or death, we must respect it.
Than Nonmaleficence -to do no harm which means that medical providers must consider whether other people or society could be harmed by a decision made, even if it is made for the benefit of an individual patient. However most medical procedures are painful, and medications have harmful side effects.
Next is Justice. The principle of justice states that there should be an element of fairness in all medical decisions: fairness in decisions that burden and benefit, as well as equal distribution of scarce resources and new treatments, and for medical practitioners to uphold applicable laws and legislation when making choices.PHI 413V Principles of Medical Ethics
In the context of the Christian biblical narrative: 1.Beneficence: There is an order to creation which brings peace, a term called Shalom, “the human being dwelling at peace in all his or her relationships: with God, with self, with fellow, with nature”
2 Justice: God’s plan of redemption for humanity is realized in Jesus Christ. The estrangement from God is made right through the death of Jesus Christ.
3.Nonmaleficence the moral obligation not to inflict harm on others.
4. Autonomy: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” meaning but certain things you can not do even it’s your body. In Christianity: steam cells researchers when embryo in use, abortion, and in vitro fertilization is unacceptable, so you can choose what you want with your body.
Reilly, D. (2006). A plea for relevance to daily practice. Retrieved from http://danreilly.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2010/08/Bioethics_Christianity_and_Medicine-Focus-Fall-2006.pdf
Hoehner, P. (2020). Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative. An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care.Grand Canyon University. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/3

Dq4

Gage Locke

5 posts

Re: Topic 3 DQ 1

I think it’s hard to put the four ethical principles in numerical order of importance. Each principle targets a different aspect of ethics, each maintaining their own superiority. The principle of autonomy means to respect one’s decisions that guide their own care (Hoehner, 2018). This means the health care team must respect the decisions of the patient, as long as they’re made in the right frame of mind, regardless of the opinions of the health care team. Each individual patient has the right to make their own choices, hold their own beliefs and views, and take actions based on their own set of beliefs, values, culture and traditions (Hoehner, 2018). This seems like it would be an ethical principle that is most important, however, nonmaleficence, or preventing harm, seems to be a pretty important idea as well. According to Hoehner, beneficence implies mercy, kindness, friendship, charity and altruism. The term justice is another ethical principle that is difficult to place in order of importance. Justice is defined as the fair distribution of benefits, risks and costs to the general population – to treat everyone equally without bias or preference (Hoehner, 2018). I find it difficult to order these concepts in terms of importance as they are all equally important. As health care professionals, it is our job and duty to provide beneficence and nonmaleficence through choices that promote justice, while granting our patients autonomy. I also don’t think the order would be much different in the Christian narrative. Imago dei states that all beings deserve dignity and respect which seems to be a combination of beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy and justice.

Hoehner, P.J. (2018). Biomedical ethics in the Christian narrative. In Grand Canyon University’s (Ed.), Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in health care. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/3

DQ5

Stephanie Fokam

1 posts

Re: Topic 3 DQ 1

Applying the principals of care is an important part of nursing. From the Christian perspective, the four principals would be ranked as follows:

Non-Maleficence: Meaning “to do no harm”, this term refers to decision making made with the intent to consider if the practice would cause harm to the patient, even if it is for their benefit (How the Four Principles of Health Care Ethics Improve Patient Care, 2017).
Beneficence: Meaning that nurses must consider all aspects of providing care that benefits the patient. This includes treatments and procedures. Training is key to ensuring knowledge and skill levels are appropriate and up-to-date to ensure beneficence (How the Four Principles of Health Care Ethics Improve Patient Care, 2017).
Justice: Meaning fairness in all medical decisions, resources and treatments. Nurses and staff must understand and practice under current laws and legislation when making decisions (How the Four Principles of Health Care Ethics Improve Patient Care, 2017).
Autonomy: Meaning the patient has the right to be inc control of their care. Nurses and professionals must not coerce patients into making decisions and must respect the decision made by the patient, even if the nurse does not agree. Autonomy requires nurses to respect the patient’s individual beliefs (How the Four Principles of Health Care Ethics Improve Patient Care, 2017).

Allowing patients to have autonomy is certainly important in providing high-quality care. However, biblical principles are clear that, as Jesus came to save and heal, we must follow His example and provide care that exemplifies the Christian values. Humans were created in God’s image and made to be compassionate, caring people. We are commanded to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). These values must influence the Christian nurse in order to align with the Christian values that govern our practice.

References

How the Four Principles of Health Care Ethics Improve Patient Care. (2017). Retrieved from https://online.sju.edu/graduate/masters-health-administration/resources/articles/four-principles-of-health-care-ethics-improve-patient-care

Holy Bible, KJV John:13:34

DQ6

Kelly Casey

1 posts

Re: Topic 3 DQ 2

There are four main parts of the biblical narrative: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration (Grand Canyon University [GCU], 2020). God is the creator of everything that exists; everything created has a purpose and nothing was a mistake (GCU, 2020). God is involved with every aspect of his creation, yet is not dependent on any part of his creation and vise versa (GCU, 2020). according to Christianity, all humans were created in the image of God having intrinsic value and thus are set apart from other living things on the Earth (GCU, 2020). This intrinsic value for humans pertains to all humans, those with disabilities, the elderly, unborn, and those who are ill (GCU, 2020). Christianity also believes that health does not pertain to only physical health, but psychological and spiritual as well (GCU, 2020). To summarize, God created all, God created humans in his image and all have moral status and should be cared for in a biopsychosocial-spiritual way (GCU, 2020). The fall according to the bible is when humans broke away from God, and with this came disease, sickness, suffering, and death (GCU, 2020). All hope is not lost though, according to Christianity spiritually renewed relationship with God can bring restoration (GCU, 2020). Redemption is the third part of the biblical narrative and describes restoration from the fall (GCU, 2020). This will be the restoration of peace, salvation, and communal well-being (GCU,2020). However, Christianity believes that God has power over illness and death, God chooses who is ill and who is healed, and all has a purpose (GCU, 2020). Restoration is the fourth part of the biblical narrative, which is the return of Jesus and the beginning of a new Earth along with a glorious life for God’s redeemed followers (GCU, 2020). One would find comfort in sickness and disease from God’s plan, that God has a purpose for all he does and does not give people more than they can handle, and if one is a follower of God they can rejoice in the restoration that is promised for them.

References

Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2020). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values

and decision making in health care. Retrieved from

https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-

and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/home