NHS-FPX4000 Assessment 3: Applying Ethical Principles
Capella University
NHS-FPX4000: Developing a Health Care Perspective
Dr Kalie Griffy
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Email Tutor: emilytutors01@gmail.com
NHS-FPX4000 Assessment 3: Applying Ethical Principles
Overview of The Case Study
Ethical decision-making is of paramount importance in the field of healthcare, as it lays
the foundation for maintaining the trust and well-being of patients. This case study
presents a challenging scenario in which a healthcare provider must grapple with the
ethical dilemma of whether to disclose sensitive patient information to a third party. The
core of this ethical conflict revolves around the delicate balance that must be struck
between the patient’s right to confidentiality and the healthcare provider’s professional
responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.
Analysis of Ethical Issues in the Case Study
The case poses an ethical dilemma as a result of the tug-of-war effect between two
important ethical principles, namely autonomy and beneficence. To say a patient has
autonomy is to say he or she has the capability to further his or her right to selfdetermination in matters of health and access to personal information. It gives meaning to
the concept of respect for a patient as a separate entity capable of self-determination in
respect of his treatment. There is also the principle of beneficence: what the healthcare
provider should do is for the good of the patient, and this may be of necessity to disclose
information that is sensitive and, unless disclosed, would cause harm or deprive a patient
of his good. Such situations further present a dilemma where the patient may wish
confidentiality despite this not being in his or her best interest. Besides this, there is the
principle of nonmaleficence meaning the need not to inflict harm which also poses a
challenge to the health care providers in this ethical dilemma. This means that, in
instances where knowledge of certain information would be disadvantageous to the
health or safety of a patient, a provider has to be cautious on whether disclosure of only
limited information is appropriate. It is here that the healthcare professional is faced with
the dilemma of autonomy versus non-maleficence and has to make a decision that builds
on respecting the patient's rights while safeguarding their safety and health.
Using the Model for Ethical Decision-Making in Examining this Case Study
Using an ethical decision-making model is helpful in unfolding more holistic solution
answers to complex moral situations. Typically this model consists of five steps, which
are: recognizing the ethical problem; assessing the ethical standards; distinguishing the
possible measures; choosing the best action; and analyzing the results.
The ethical conflict in this case is the conflict between the obligation to maintain the
patient’s confidentiality and the obligation to protect them from harm. First, the provider
needs to determine this conflict to help guide the analysis. Second, an assessment should
be made of other important ethical theories like autonomy, meaning the ability to make
the patient’s own decisions, beneficence, which means the obligation to do good and nonmaleficence, which refers to the obligation not to harm. The principle of justice may also
apply in a case where other persons may be affected by the decision.
Following that, the practitioner considers the available alternatives. These could be strict
confidentiality, disclosure of only necessary information, or getting the patient to consent
to partial disclosure. Each alternative should be weighed on ethical implication with
concentration on the principle of doing less harm.
Disclosure of information, the fourth step, should be no more than what is absolutely
necessary to protect the patient or others if this becomes necessary. If maintaining
confidentiality seems the best option, then the risks need to be communicated to the
patient and supported appropriately.
Reflection upon the outcomes gives assurance that the decision morally was proper and
considered the main principles.
Effectiveness of Communication Approaches in the Case Study
The resolution of ethical dilemmas requires effective communication. In this case, it is
prudent that the health professional should explain to the patient the risks versus benefits
of disclosure of sensitive information. Communication openly assures one of trusts and
reassures a therapeutic relationship hence enabling the patient to make decisions
effectively. The provider would give informed consent to the patient and respect her
dignity by first listening to her concerns and explaining the ethical considerations
involved. That would enhance the provider-patient relationship and shared decisionmaking.
Resolving the Ethical Dilemma: Application of Ethical Principles
To resolve the dilemma, the provider must balance autonomy, beneficence, and
nonmaleficence. Ideally, disclosure should never be made without first obtaining
informed consent. If consent cannot be obtained, disclosure should be no greater than that
absolutely necessary to protect individuals from harm. The ethical decision-making
model enables the provider to arrive at a decision respecting the patient's autonomy while
taking his best interest and safety into consideration. The format provides clear
resolutions that are always ethical, taking all principles into consideration.
References
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.).
Oxford University Press.
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