Applying Ethical Principles- The Missing Needle Protector

Introduction

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Academic Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles as Evidence to Support Analysis of the Case

Steelman et al.’s (2019) article is relevant to this case as it aims to describe the various Unintentionally Retained Foreign Objects (URFOs) with a focus on the types of URFOs, location, contributing factors, and the URFOs harm. The aim of the study was to develop recommendations to improve perioperative safety. The study reviewed 308 incident reports. Based on the study, the most common URFOs include instruments, catheters and drains, needles and blades, packaging, implants, and specimens. The URFOs had the potential to extend stay and cause temporary to severe and permanent harm and death. The contributing factors to the incidents were linked to either human, leadership, or communication factors. The authors provide recommendations to manage these factors, including team and individual training, elimination of disruptive and distractive factors, accounting for all objects used during surgery, exploring the surgical site before closure, inspecting tools after surgery, and promoting a safety culture, including reporting events and near misses, and proactive risk assessment. This article is credible as it was published by the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety and developed by authors with authority on the subject.

Effectiveness of Communication Approaches in the Case Study

Effective communication between patients, departments, and healthcare providers can help solve and prevent medical errors (Hassan, 2018). Failure in communication during the treatment process could lead to serious medical errors with a negative outcome on the patient’s health and care goals (Shahid & Thomas, 2018). The communication between the individuals is ineffective and risks adverse effects on the patient’s health and, eventually, negative reputational and professional outcomes for the facility and the team. For instance, the operation room operator noticed the missing needle protector and reported it to the management for further action. However, Mr Straight was not open to the chief of surgery during his inquiry about the effects of leaving a needle protector in the belly of the patient, which led to the chief ignoring the issue and also being afraid to confront Dr Cutrite. Straight also thought it would be best to recall the patient and reoperate her without her knowledge. This could lead to a scandalous breach of health ethics and medical malpractice. Further, Dr. Cutrite does not explain the effects of needle protectors on the patient’s health and does not want further action on the case.

Applying Ethical Principles to Resolve the Ethical Dilemma

The four fundamental principles of healthcare ethics are autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. Autonomy grants respect to patient choices. Beneficence seeks to provide beneficial care to patients. Nonmaleficence means providing care that does not harm the patient, while justice means the patient receives fair care. By considering the principle of justice and autonomy, Mr Straight would consider informing Mrs Jameson of the needle protector and let her decide on the next action to take. Suppose Dr. Cutrite considers the fundamental principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. In that case, he would be concerned about the health of Mrs. Jameson and be willing to conduct her inform her of the case, and provide suggestions on what can be done to ensure the best health outcomes for her. He would also have been careful during the surgery. The ethical principles combined with effective communication can resolve the suspected surgical error and the related ethical dilemma. Effective communication approaches to manage medical errors can improve patient safety and achieve patient autonomy in health decisions (Rodziewicz et al., 2022).

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas are a normal part of everyday practice for healthcare professionals. Ethical dilemmas in healthcare challenge the values, norms, and professionalism of healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals must base their decisions on their morals and values guided by the ethical decision-making model and the four fundamental principles of health care.

References

Ethical Case Studies Topic: The Missing Needle Protector. (n.d.) Incident 9: The Missing Needle Protector. https://sso3.capella.edu/openam/UI/Login?goto=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia%2Ecapella%2Eedu%2FCourseMedia%2Fnhs4000element18655%2Fwrapper%2Easp

 


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