Ethical Decision Making

The process of carefully considering and selecting among choices, ensuring that decisions align with ethical principles.

A set of steps that can help guide ethical decision-making, including clarifying the issue, identifying relevant ethical principles, evaluating options, seeking advice, and justifying the decision.

The ability to critically examine different perspectives and be open to new information, even if it challenges your existing views.

The process of making informed choices about what is right and wrong based on a set of ethical standards.

The commitment to acting ethically, even when it is difficult or inconvenient, and being aware of how our actions impact others.

The practical skills needed to make ethical decisions, including gathering information, evaluating options, and anticipating consequences.

Formal groups within healthcare organizations that provide guidance and support on ethical issues that arise.

The importance of protecting patient privacy, autonomy, and confidentiality in healthcare communication, especially with evolving technologies.

An ethical committee's primary role is to review and guide decisions related to patient care, ensuring ethical principles are upheld. This includes protecting patient rights, evaluating potential risks and benefits, and promoting ethical decision-making in challenging situations.

Situations where healthcare professionals face moral dilemmas or conflicting values in patient care, causing emotional distress. Common causes include failing to respect patient wishes, inability to protect patients from harm, treating patients as objects, and extending the dying process.

The process of reflecting on, analyzing, and processing difficult ethical experiences, helping healthcare professionals develop coping mechanisms, learn from mistakes, and improve their ethical decision-making.

The core principle of acting selflessly and placing the patient's well-being above personal interests. This involves advocating for the patient's rights and best interests, even when it may be challenging or inconvenient.

A situation where the patient's wishes and the family's wishes regarding medical treatment are in conflict. This requires careful consideration of patient autonomy, family perspectives, and ethical principles to reach a mutually acceptable decision.

The continuous process of asking critical questions about the appropriateness and effectiveness of medical interventions, considering the patient's quality of life, potential benefits and burdens, and the overall goals of care.

Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to continually evaluate and improve their ethical decision-making processes to ensure they are making the best choices for their patients. This involves reflecting on their actions, seeking feedback, and staying updated on ethical guidelines.

A step-by-step process for making ethical decisions in healthcare. It involves examining the ethical dilemma, exploring alternatives, and evaluating the arguments for each option.

Factors that influence ethical decision-making in nursing, such as patient rights, cultural attitudes, legislation, and personal beliefs.

Aspects of the work environment that can affect ethical decision-making, including job status, collective bargaining agreements, and relationships with colleagues.

This process involves: 1. Providing structure for addressing potential problems 2. Facilitating open dialogue 3. Advocating for the patient's best interests.

Strategies to enhance ethical decision-making in nursing. This includes understanding personal values, staying informed about ethical issues, and engaging in ethical discussions.

A model that helps nurses evaluate ethical problems and make decisions. It emphasizes assessing the problem, considering alternatives, evaluating arguments, and acting on the decision.

The first step in the DECISION MAKING ABCDE model, which involves identifying the ethical problem or decision that needs addressed.