Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare: A Case Study Analysis

This article discusses the ethical and legal issues in healthcare through a case study analysis. It covers problem identification, parties involved, evaluation of the issue, action, implementation, and assessment of outcomes.

ETHICS, LAW AND HEALTHCARE

Table of Contents
1. Identify issues and collect information..................................................................................3
2. Evaluate the issue...................................................................................................................3
3. Action.....................................................................................................................................4
4. Implementation......................................................................................................................5
5. Assess Outcomes....................................................................................................................6
Reference List:...........................................................................................................................7

1. Identify issues and collect information
1.1 Problem identification
In regards with the mentioned case scenario, it may be stated that as per her roles and
responsibilities as a nurse, it is important that the advices which are given by Victoria to
Stella is based on thorough analysis of her current condition. Collection of information can be
done by seeking sources of information which highlight her previous and existing medical
records as well as her current health condition (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015). One
of the basic requirements for Victoria is to check whether the information provided by Stella
is authentic or not. Since acting in best interest of any patient is regarded as one of the
primary duties of nurses, it is essential that a detailed study concerning her condition is done
before finalising on the most suitable healthcare routine for her. Therefore, apart from her
medical records, it is also essential that detailed information is obtained concerning her
society, family, living conditions and so on, so that the factors responsible for her conditions
are properly needed to be evaluated.
1.2 Parties involved
Therefore, Victoria needs to ensure that proper interpersonal communication is established
with Stella so that she is able to build trust on her and share her details concerning her
lifestyles and her relationship with associated people. It is evident from the case study that
she might not share a very good relation with her aunt. She is afraid to share information
about her relationship as well. It may be stated that her boyfriend as well as her family are the
direct stakeholders (Winland-Brown, Lachman, & Swanson, 2015). When her doses of
contraception are needed to be given to her, it is essential that her boyfriend also understand
the potential effects of the medicines. In addition to this, since she is a minor, it is necessary
that as a guardian, her aunt is informed regarding her condition as well. However, with
analysis to the given information by the patient, it may be stated that her living condition in
her aunt’s place is questionable. Whether it is suitable and safe for her to associate her aunt
and her aunt’s boyfriend in this care plan or not is one of the major issues in the scenario.
2. Evaluate the issue
(a) Code of ethics: In regards with the mentioned issue, it can be seen that even though Stella
hints that her aunt’s boyfriend has been abusive towards her, it is also requested from her

behalf that she doesn’t convey this information to the doctors who will provide the necessary
treatment for contraception. Therefore, it is clear that Victoria is in a standard ethical
dilemma. There are various issues which are needed to be followed by her. As per the
elements of the code described in ICN code of ethics for nurses, it has been observed that
obligates nurses to provide best suitable nursing and care services to the patients. In addition
to giving the required professional care, it is also mandatory that human rights, values as well
as customs are protected through their acts (Lachman, Swanson & Winland-Brown 2015).
Therefore, a holistic approach is needed to be taken to provide substantial care service for
Stella. Being a minor it may be stated that she is still regarded belonging from vulnerable
group. Hence, protecting her from abuse is one of the primary functions that Victoria may
have to consider.
(b) Implication of ethical principles: However, the issue in this case is that Stella does not
want to let other individuals know regarding her condition. Thus, as per the principle of code
of practice concerning cultural practice and respectful relationship, confidentiality and
privacy of the patient should be regarded as an ultimate responsibility (Schmidt & Brown,
2014). In addition to this, it is also needed to be understood that there is a clear case of
dilemma since there is a chance of conflict of ethical principles (Council, 2015).
(c) Application of legal principles: In accordance with the four broadly divided ethical
principles for nurses in principles of biomedical ethics, it has been observed that the
professionals need to maintain autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice (White,
Phakoe & Rispel, 2015). This, according to principles of autonomy, she is required to provide
respect to the rights of her patient to make individual choices. She realises that the
consequences of the contraception she seeks to obtain is clearly understood by the patient and
an informed consent is given. However, the potential risk of abuse from the environment she
has been living in is apparent (Paina, Ungureanu & Olsavszky, 2016). Therefore, by
considering the principle of autonomy where Stella may want to maintain her privacy, there
is a risk that Victoria may violate conditions to act in best interest of Stella and her duty to
safeguard Stella from harm which may include physical abuse.
3. Action
(a) Application of the Code of Conduct: With reference to principle 3 of code of practice
for nurses, it is regarded important that effective communication is established between the

care seekers and care providers. This would allow them to not only understand the level of
health literacy that the patient may have but would also provide them the scope to attend to
the necessary requirements (Blackburn et al. 2015). Better bonding between that patients and
nurses can be maintained with the free flow of communication. While in the case study it can
be seen that Stella possesses standard knowledge considering the sexual health treatment she
has been seeking and the potential effects and consequences of the same. Thus, it was easier
for Victoria to provide her with guidance and instruction. However, safeguarding patients
from bullying and harassment is regarded as a major duty under the said principle as well
(Papadopoulos & Ali, 2016).
(b) Analysis of consequences: It is essential that appropriate person-centric approach is
being developed in order to provide the most suitable care to Stella. Establishment of two
way communication channel is necessary to ensure that Stella is at enough ease to open up to
Victoria and share her issues. In addition to this, Victoria can make her feel safe in a
protected environment and advice her on the practices and procedures she could take up for
ensuring overall safer living conditions (Mallari, Grace & Joseph, 2016).
(c) Decision making: An understanding approach is needed to be maintained that would
store faith of Stella on her care provider. Person centred practice would require decision
making which is done mutually. Thus, with the help of proper communication and education
extended to patients like Stella, obliging by their care concerns would be easier for nurses
(Paneque et al. 2016).
4. Implementation
(a) Acting upon the decision: In order to ensure that the action plan that is being finalised is
able to bring out the best results, it is essential that proper implementation of the same is
done. In regards with the mentioned case scenario it can be seen that while the patient has a
clear understanding regarding the effects of contraception, nurse predicts that she might be
vulnerable to certain physical and mental abuse (Finch, Clarence-Smith & Walsh, 2017).
However, the patient is not confident enough to let other individuals know about her
condition and plans to move away. In order to protect her patient from the potential harm in
her living environment, it is necessary that proper steps are taken by obtaining consent of
Stella. It is important that a healthy conversation is initiated from the part of Victoria. She
might educate her concerning the prevalent laws and regulations protecting individual rights

in most effective manner. In addition to this a friendly body language is necessary to be
maintained which would allow Stella to have more confidence on her and tell her he details
which may be responsible for her condition.
(b) Devising the care plan: Appropriate measures can be taken accordingly to protect the
patient from physical and mental abuse (Adhikari & Melia, 2015). Stella can be convinced
regarding the steps that the doctors and other professionals might take to suit her situation the
best. Additionally, policies which would allow her to continue with obtaining healthcare
services can also be discussed with her. Thus, a mutual decision concerning the suitable
action plan can be undertaken for overall healthy and safe life of the patient with regards to
ethical and legal practice.
(c) Communication: In addition to this, a strategy may be also adopted which would require
the aunt or her boyfriend to be associated with the care plan. The probable care planning can
be relayed to the patient’s family members and/or the acting guardian so as to keep the
communication intact and to avoid any sort of gaps in the healthcare settings.
(d) Documentation: The care plan devised on Stella can be made visible on her clinical
record book so that if need arises; it can be referred for future endeavours by doctors of the
same organization or of different healthcare institute. Documenting the healthcare plan would
eventually make the entire treatment regimen transparent and free from loopholes.
5. Assess Outcomes
With the help of the undertaken action plan, it will be easier for the nurses like Victoria to
ensure that the chances of ethical dilemma and other issues are met in most suitable manner.
Since, it is the duty of the nurse to consider decisions of patients, at the same time, it is
primary duty to look after ad according to best interest of the patient, with detection of risk of
abuse, it is necessary that these underlying dilemmas are dealt in a professional manner (Bell,
2015). Therefore, with the help of person centric approaches and effective communication, a
detailed analysis of the varied factors associated with current condition of the patient can be
determined. In addition to this, it may also be stated that the chances of risks and hazards for
the patients can be significantly reduced as well. Being able to establish a healthy and
substantial relationship with the patients may be regarded as the key to effective professional
performances. In addition to this, if it is still difficult to deal with the ethical dilemma,

obtaining proper support from experienced professionals and following their guidance can be
regarded as most suitable solution (Council, 2015).

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