Assignment Instructions
There are two parts to the week 5 assignments. Please complete both.
Describe some of the legal and ethical aspects associated with consent. What is the role of the organization with regards to consent?
Define the following terms: living wills, advance medical directives, surrogate decision making, ordinary care, extraordinary care.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Consent is an essential ethical and legal concept in medical practice that ensures the autonomy and rights of patients are respected. In this answer, we will discuss the legal and ethical aspects associated with consent along with the role of organizations in obtaining and managing consent. We will also define key terms related to medical decision making, such as living wills, advance medical directives, surrogate decision making, ordinary care, and extraordinary care.
Answer 1: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Consent
Consent is a fundamental principle in medical practice, both legally and ethically. Legally, consent is necessary to protect patients’ rights and ensure that medical interventions are carried out with the individual’s informed agreement. Ethically, consent upholds the principle of autonomy, allowing patients to make their own choices about their healthcare.
Informed consent requires the healthcare provider to provide the patient with relevant information about the proposed treatment or procedure. This includes explaining the purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives, allowing the patient to understand the potential implications and make an informed decision. Without informed consent, medical interventions are considered a violation of the patient’s autonomy and can lead to legal and ethical consequences for healthcare professionals.
The role of the organization regarding consent is critical. Organizations must establish policies and procedures that govern the process of obtaining and managing consent. This includes ensuring that healthcare providers are trained in informed consent practices and that patients receive adequate information to make informed decisions. Organizations should also have mechanisms in place to address any concerns or disputes related to consent and provide support and resources for patients and their families throughout the process.
Answer 2: Definitions of Key Terms
1. Living wills: Living wills are legal documents that outline an individual’s preferences for medical treatment in the event they become incapacitated and are unable to communicate their wishes. It provides instructions regarding the use of life-sustaining treatments, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, and allows individuals to maintain control over their healthcare decisions even when they cannot actively participate.
2. Advance medical directives: Advance medical directives are legal documents that allow individuals to express their medical preferences and appoint a healthcare proxy (also known as a healthcare agent or surrogate decision-maker). These directives come into effect when an individual is unable to make decisions for themselves. The appointed healthcare proxy then has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the patient based on their previously expressed wishes.
3. Surrogate decision making: Surrogate decision making occurs when an individual is unable to make their own healthcare decisions, and someone else is authorized to make decisions on their behalf. This often involves a family member or appointed healthcare proxy, who takes into account the patient’s previously expressed wishes, values, and best interests.
4. Ordinary care: Ordinary care refers to the standard level of medical treatment and support provided to patients. This includes routine medical interventions, such as medication administration, diagnostic tests, and basic nursing care. It is the expected standard of care, and healthcare professionals are obligated to provide it to patients.
5. Extraordinary care: Extraordinary care refers to medical interventions that go beyond the routine or ordinary care. These interventions are typically more invasive, resource-intensive, or have a lower chance of success. Examples may include organ transplants, extraordinary life support measures, or experimental treatments. The decision to provide extraordinary care is often complex and requires careful consideration of the potential benefits, risks, and the patient’s wishes.
Overall, understanding the legal and ethical aspects of consent and familiarizing oneself with terminology related to medical decision making is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care and uphold ethical principles in medical practice.
