Ethics and Confidentiality Essay

In the nursing profession, keeping forbearing confidentiality is of the upmost concern. It is an important feature of the hold up -patient relationship and must be keep on as basis of providing c ar. Confidentiality is described as respecting other peoples privy and keeping security selective information self-contained from individuals in the privileged circumstances of a professional relationship. (Lee and Godbold , 2012). The privacy act hold out wet- concords some flexibility in employ professional opinion regarding revealing of information however safety device guards must be implementd (McGowan 2012). In the avocation paragraph, implications of erupt of confidentiality and application of honorable principles and theories in purpose-making in an respectable dilemma with reference to obligate by Nathanson , (2000)entitled Betraying Trust or Providing grave C atomic number 18? When is it Okay to Break Confidentiality? provide be addressed.Confidentiality is fun damental in the health c ar system. When Confidentiality is breeched, it may deter patients from seeking word for fear of disclosure of ones personal information (Beech 2007). Confidentiality can pull up stakes in legal and professional problems, distrust, disrespect, and feelings of perfidy and or worthless compliance with treatment. The enquiry then raises, when is it okay to breech confidentiality mingled with a patient and the healthcare provider? Confidentiality may be breeched when equipment casualty is foreseen for the patient and the society at large. signalize Gowan (2012) suggests that flirt withs should be aware of some regulations regarding confidentiality as well as patchs and when to use and disclosure of Protected Health Information are permitted. (****). When set about with an honourable dilemma, all executable options should be explored in order to entertain the patients right of confidentiality and autonomy. age maintaining confidentiality of patien t, it is imperative to note that issues might arise that will necessitate the breach of confidentiality as seen in the case of Nurse Hathaway and the adolescents. Nurse Hardaway was involved in an ethical dilemma when two teenagers with serious diagnosis and demanding confidentiality get down her for care. The absorb was confronted with breaking or maintaining confidentiality and permit harm come to the patient (Nathanson , 2000). Of every choices, the nurse may be nonimmune for breach of patient confidentiality or go bad when poor conclusiveness is made, because the nurse is professionally and personally responsible for their actions. When faced with ethical dilemmas, applications of ethical principles and theories become necessary in making nice stopping points. It is vital that nurses are familiar with the principles, theories, standard of practice and figure of professional morality.The finale made by Nurse Hathaway to divulge the diagnosis to the teenagers kick ups tairss was viewed as the right decision given the circumstances. Failure of the nurse to disclose the diagnosis to the teenagers parent would consequently jeopardize the health of the teenager. The ethical surmise utilized in the scenario reflects useful and Deontology approach. A utilitarian approach requires identifying and choosing an selection that would likely produce the most pricey for all involved (least harm).The positive aftermath of breaching confidentiality outweighs the suffering and poor health attitude foreseen for the teenager. Nurse Hathaway excessively utilized the theory of Deontology, which focuses on doing ones duty as abundant as it is universally applied disregarding of the circumstances. Critical thinking and good decision making skill is vital In advocating for the patient as it is the duty of the nurse to entertain, promote, restore, and maintain the health of the individual and the community.The decision to disclose the teenagers health informat ion to the trail authority was considered unethical. The poor judgment and action by the nurse resulted in humiliation and possible unsafe attempt by the teenager (Nathanson 2000). Ethically, this decision proved not to be in the best interest of the patient and defies the principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence. twain principles entail the duty to do good l and cause no harm. Confidentiality was breached because the situation did not require reporting to the school authorities.An alternative way of dealing with such(prenominal) ethical dilemmas would be for the school nurse to draw health fairs on safe sex education and health practices among teenagers in the school and community. School nurses and authorities should as well be notified of the prevalence of sexually inherited diseases without identifying any particular student. In defeat case scenario, the nurse should also pertain with the facility or institutional ethical direction for directive.The ethical motive delegacy plays several(prenominal) key roles when it comes to making ethical decision because they are able to identifying whether or not an action is justifiable. One of the roles is to assist in revising and developing policies pertaining to clinical ethics ( DCD ETHICS committee). Collaboratively, the ethics committee unitedly with their diverse experiences, educational back grounds, view and unique set would produce a well balanced discussion of alternatives (GCU). The ethics committee might also utilize a combination of the ethical principles and theories in making decision.Uustals model also assist in identify the following steps to be taken identifying the problem, stating your values and ethical position associate to the problem, considering factors related to the situation, generating alternatives related to the dilemma, categorizing the alternative, developing a syllabus of action, implementing the plan and evaluating the plan of action taken. The fillet of sole aim o f the ethics committee is to advocate, protect and promote the right of the patient plot of ground making decisions that will benefit all. As in the previous scenario, the ethical committee if consulted would provide necessary guidance in the dissemination of the patients information, thereby eliminating the implication of breach of confidentiality.Confidentiality helps to foster a good nurse-patient relationship. However there are times when confidentiality conflicts with ones duty and values. The law of confidentiality is complex, and demands a balance between patients right and the nurses duties. When faced with an ethical dilemma theres a need for proper integration of the ethical principles and theories in order to experience at a descion that promotes and respects the patients autonomy. Nurses should be acquainted with their code of professional conduct and responsibilities frequently. Nurses should employ the use of the ethics committee found in most facilities as needed.