PHI-FPX3200 Assessment 5-1 Tonya’s Case: Ethics and Professional Codes

Applying Ethical Principles and Moral Theories

Ethical principles and moral theories influence the standards of care and professionals’ ability to protect a patient’s values and preferences. The Kantian model reminds individuals about their duty of care such that nurses, physicians, and other professionals should always respect the humanity in others (Akdeniz et al., 2021). The theory advocates for actions that are in accordance with the rules that could hold for everyone across the care continuum. Ideally, the care team responsible for handling Tonya’s situation should dedicate time and energy to delivering unbiased and care to achieve successful recovery. For instance, the care team chose to alter the initial treatment plan in effort to create the best outcomes. Autonomy is another principle that allows the care team to respect a patient’s preferences (Akdeniz et al., 2021). For instance, Tonya’s parents wanted their child to be on ventilation. The fact that the parents are responsible for making informed decisions on behalf of patients reinforces the need for the care team to respect the parents’ preference.

Professional Codes of Ethics

A crucial code of ethics is the need for healthcare professionals to uphold the welfare of all patients regardless of their social or economic status. The healthcare team responded adequately to Tonya’s case by being available throughout the care process. The group demonstrated that it valued the patient’s wellbeing. Immediate medical attention when Tonya went into cardiac arrest, efforts to resuscitate the patient, and decision to use a ventilator revealed commitment to adhering to protocols and standards of the best care. Thus, professional code of ethics reinforces the need for healthcare professionals to respect patients, preserve human dignity, be responsible, and commit to justice and honesty in services (Nnate, 2021). The care team in Tonya’s case demonstrated dedication to promote health, prevent deteriorating symptoms, restore health, and alleviate suffering.

Organizational Documents like Mission and Value Statements

The mission and vision statements guide the care team on values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that influence the quality and safety of patient care. For instance, Saint Anthony Medical Center’s mission provides insights into the need to promote health and provide quality care to patients and families regardless of their affiliation. Similarly, an organization’s vision should accommodate efforts to inspire change through services that improve the overall health of patients and communities (Wiesen et al., 2021). In Tonya’s case, the care team portrayed resilience in practicing the mission and vision that shows unwavering commitment to excellence. The team demonstrated compassion, commitment, and dignity in improving the patient’s condition.

The Role of Accrediting Bodies

The Join Commission (TJC) provides insights into the standards for maintaining quality and safe care across the continuum. The agency seeks to improve healthcare for all through thorough assessment of the hospital’s procedures, structure, processes, and value system. The commission emphasizes the need for hospitals to offer exceptional services and reliable services to everyone seeking the best quality. In Tonya’s scenario, TJC reminds healthcare professionals to understand the patient’s needs, values, and preferences. The goal is to make decisions according to the clients’ best interests.

Conclusion

Informed decisions involve the care team considering moral and ethical aspects that influence the quality and safety of patient care. Evidence-based medical attention entails efforts to show respect, compassion, and empathy towards a patient and their family. For instance, removing a patient from a ventilator is a difficult choice. Ethical practices and professional code of ethics enable the care team to contextualize a dilemma and make decisions based on a patient’s values and preferences.

References

Akdeniz, M., Yardımcı, B., & Kavukcu, E. (2021). Ethical considerations at the end-of-life care. SAGE Open Medicine, 9, 1-9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350063339_Ethical_considerations_at_the_end-of-life_care