Understanding Philosophy and Principles in Healthcare

Health Care Ethics Midterm Exam
Use your own words going into some detail responding to the questions; approximately 3-4 sentences per response should suffice for most responses. Type your answers on this or a separate numbered sheet. Submit as attachment in the Drop Box (Assignments) or, if absolutely necessary, as an attachment via email to instructor, at [email protected]. Turning in a completed midterm exam by the deadline is mandatory for passing this course; late exams will not be accepted. Remember to use your own thoughts, words, and examples… Be sure to address all parts of the question; most questions require that you both explain the concept under discussion and provide your individual analysis. Be sure to state your reasons “Why”. This exam is a skills assessment, so show me what you know! Additional tips: Avoid repeating information from one response to another. Do not use materials you have previously submitted in the course. Create your own scenarios. Place your emphasis on the Ethics involved. Pay attention to the # of items requested, (e.g. “concerns” requires more than one). Even if you need to research a little external material, I am interested in your original thoughts on these matters. Exercise extreme caution in avoiding plagiarism on this exam, as the consequences are severe. Finally, when in doubt, don’t spend hours looking for the answer in your text or notes --- use your common sense!
1) How do we go about proving what is true in Philosophy? And what does it mean to make an ethical claim?
Truth is what is logical and empirical, and from a scientific point of view, it is what is deemed proven. For something to be true in philosophy, it must adhere to the correspondence theory and uphold the principle of non-contradiction. Making any ethical claim means stating what the case should be and how it makes the world better.
2) Name and briefly define the seven main health care principles. How is this set of principles used to guide ethical action in health care?
The seven main health care principles include non-maleficence, beneficence, health maximization, efficiency, justice, proportionality, and respect for autonomy. Non-maleficence implies causing no harm, while beneficence means for the benefit of the patient/client. Health maximization refers to considerations of all the population, and efficiency is the responsible use of scarce resources. These principles provide a basis on which health is taught and how health professionals should behave in line of duty.
3) What sort of fundamental ethical concerns are at the core of the principle of Autonomy in health care? (In other words, what values do we hold that this principle reflects?)
The core principle of Autonomy in health care is independent decision-making. Patients should be provided with all the necessary information for them to make informed decisions without the professionals influencing the decision. Therefore, the principle holds the core value of free will, the freedom to make independent choices and decisions.
4) Explain the five elements necessary for true Informed Consent to take place.
A decision is informed and consented to if 1) the diagnosis, 2) proposed treatment, 3) risks and benefits of the proposed treatment, 4) Alternative treatment, and 5) risks of alternative treatment. Therefore, the patient must be informed of the potential treatment options and be allowed to decide which one they prefer. It is vital to note that consent may mean different things in different situations.
5) How might the way we interpret the purpose of health care influence our understanding of Beneficence?
The fundamental purpose of healthcare is to enhance the quality of life. Interpretation of this purpose, especially when focusing on profit, may inhibit the application of Beneficence. Beneficence implies kindness and charity, which requires that the actions of health professionals should benefit others. Where the focus is on profits, this understanding of Beneficence is lost.
6) Explain the principle of Non-Maleficence, creating your own original scenario to show how it might be applied in an emergency situation.
Non-Malefi...