Nurses can face ethical dilemmas daily when caring for patients. We are taught in nursing school that our ethical practice is to include health promotion, to prevent illness, treat with dignity, and respect. The purpose of this discussion board is to describe an ethical dilemma that is associated with the current state of population health and health disparities. I will then discuss the cultural underpinnings that support a few of the pros and cons of the health care reform and the Affordable Care Act in the United States. Finally, I will explain how social justice and human rights protection can reduce health disparities.
Ethical Dilemma associated with State of Population and Health Disparities Health care disparities are different between …show more content…
Our ethics involve making our patients healthier and reducing disparities based on evidence-based practice. However, with the diverse population, we should also realize that not everyone will accept a traditional treatment, whether it involve a medication or a specific type of treatment. This could be due to their beliefs, values, and practices. When a patient refuses treatment or medications, we label them as non-compliant (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). A few examples of ethical dilemmas we may face can be women’s rights and the patients right to be pro-choice or pro-life. Another example would be cultural beliefs, such as religions that do not believe in receiving blood products, even if it means they will lose their life. We must be able to respect their choice without our own personal feelings getting in the way and advocate for our patient’s rights. We want to make sure that we allow autonomy with each individual while also maintaining veracity and fidelity (Andrews & Boyle, …show more content…
However, when someone becomes ill, if there are underlying factors that reduce their ability to receive competent health care, these disparities become even more of a disadvantage. These factors could include no health insurance, no employment, or any other socially economic hardship. Social justice and human rights protection requires equality for everyone to obtain the highest level of health possible (Braveman et al., 2011). The goal of Healthy People 2020 is to reduce the disparities among people by setting health promotion goals that will direct attention to populations with targeted health disparities. The ACA was the first step in the direction of providing coverage for everyone, regardless of a person’s status. This includes cost-effective care as well as other benefits such as education and housing, which can affect a person’s health. Justice includes fairness to everyone and mutual equal chances for all to lead a healthy life within their community (Andrews & Boyle,
Ethical Dilemma associated with State of Population and Health Disparities Health care disparities are different between …show more content…
Our ethics involve making our patients healthier and reducing disparities based on evidence-based practice. However, with the diverse population, we should also realize that not everyone will accept a traditional treatment, whether it involve a medication or a specific type of treatment. This could be due to their beliefs, values, and practices. When a patient refuses treatment or medications, we label them as non-compliant (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). A few examples of ethical dilemmas we may face can be women’s rights and the patients right to be pro-choice or pro-life. Another example would be cultural beliefs, such as religions that do not believe in receiving blood products, even if it means they will lose their life. We must be able to respect their choice without our own personal feelings getting in the way and advocate for our patient’s rights. We want to make sure that we allow autonomy with each individual while also maintaining veracity and fidelity (Andrews & Boyle, …show more content…
However, when someone becomes ill, if there are underlying factors that reduce their ability to receive competent health care, these disparities become even more of a disadvantage. These factors could include no health insurance, no employment, or any other socially economic hardship. Social justice and human rights protection requires equality for everyone to obtain the highest level of health possible (Braveman et al., 2011). The goal of Healthy People 2020 is to reduce the disparities among people by setting health promotion goals that will direct attention to populations with targeted health disparities. The ACA was the first step in the direction of providing coverage for everyone, regardless of a person’s status. This includes cost-effective care as well as other benefits such as education and housing, which can affect a person’s health. Justice includes fairness to everyone and mutual equal chances for all to lead a healthy life within their community (Andrews & Boyle,