Legal And Ethical Issues In Organization

Running head: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note

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LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
Introduction
The assignment is about an aboriginal patient who had been suffering from an ulcer. On
attending the physician, he was recommended to a nurse who used to visit several times a week
to take a follow up of the ulcer and change the dressing. While receiving treatment from the
hospital as well as the physician, the aforesaid patient suffered from several ethical and
discriminatory issues. For example, he was not provided any referral of refusal of treatment. He
felt vulnerable and isolated within the hospital. Although he was attended an RN, lack of proper
follow-up, the condition of the leg ulcer deteriorated leading to a partial amputation of the leg.
This report will focus on the ethical and legal issues associated with this case study along
with the possible recommendations.
Health care and Law (Part 1)
This case study focuses on an old aboriginal patient who was suffering from a painful
swollen ulcer. He had to seek medical help for treating his ulcer several times and also had to
take referrals like a frequent visit from community nurses. In this entire curse of treatment, there
had been several instances where human rights or rights to receive culturally safe care has been
breached. It is evident from the case study that RN Allison, had found out that both the Murrays
had been obese and she made it in a judgmental manner. She also chalked out a diet plan for
them without because they might not afford those products.
However, it was evident that RM Allison, made several visits to the patient’s home based on
GP’s referrals. It has been stated in the Australian charter of Health care rights, it can be stated

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LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
that patients have the right to receive health care services from home if needed. Home-based
health care needs are especially needed in case of pressure ulcers or surgical wounds (Australian
Commission on Safety and Quality in healthcare, 2017). Furthermore, it can be said that Murrays
were informed repeatedly about the deteriorating condition of the pressure ulcer, yet they were
reluctant to abide by all the instructions. For example, RN Allison, warned them about the risk
factor of obesity.
Health care and Law (Part 2)
It is evident from the case study that the patients refused treatment from the physician
and was convinced when they were educated about the self –management of the wounds. In this
context it can be said, that it was justified from the RN’s side, to teach patients about the various
self-management strategies. The patient and the family must be provided with the knowledge
bout wound care to prevent strenuous transportation and the cost. This can be accomplished by
supporting the patient to make choices about their treatment (Lindsay et al., 2018). Looking at
the predisposing factor, as to why Mr. Murray was reluctant to visit the doctors and prefer self-
activities needs to be explored. Mr. Murray refused treatment, as he felt that his self-esteem,
dignity, and integrity was at stake, while he was being admitted to the hospital. The right to
refuse treatment is the fundamental principle of liberty that should be honored for every patient.
Hence, getting annoyed with the decision of the patient and avoiding duty directly breaches this
model act. A physician should be very well aware of the consequences of treatment refusal and
should have convinced the patient to adhere to the treatment regimen. The physician should have
remembered that empathetic patient-doctor communication is the ultimate key to compassionate

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LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES
care. Mr. Murray could have been empowered by the doctor to participate in their health and
wellbeing.
Culturally safe nursing practice
The case study has revealed that, on the deterioration of the ulcer, Murray was driven to
town for treating the ulcer. Mr. Murray was not referred to any aboriginal `health worker and nor
was he connected to an aboriginal Health worker, nor was he connected to the National
aboriginal community-controlled service. There had been a growing body of references that have
focused on how discrimination can harm the health of an individual (Shepherd et al., 2016).
Health care professionals should ensure that they provide culturally safe care to patients. It has
been stated that indigenous people often find it difficult to get access to mainstream health care
services (Davy et al., 2016). Indigenous people might feel hesitant to approach the non-
indigenous health care workers and hence indigenous patients can be referred exclusively to
indigenous patients. Due to premature discharge from the hospital and their reluctance to attend
non-indigenous health care services, they are more likely to suffer from health care issues like
cardiovascular problems, ulcers, diabetes, and other chronic health issues. This practice is also a
part of culturally safe care. Additionally, indigenous health care services included in the review
actively engage with the local indigenous people. They are in a better position to address the type
of social and cultural determinants of health faced by the indigenous communities.
Legal issues: Medical negligence
It can be understood from the case study that after Mr. Murray was being discharged
from the hospital a follow-up letter from the city hospital was sent to him. No personal phone