Develop, in detail, a situation in which a health care worker might be confronted with Healthcare Ethical Problem scenario or ethical problems related to patients and prescription drug use OR patients in a state of poverty.
A healthcare worker may be confronted with Healthcare Ethical Problem related to patients and prescription drug use when faced with a patient who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. For example, imagine a patient with chronic pain who has been prescribed opioids for several years. The patient has a history of substance abuse and has previously misused prescription drugs. A healthcare worker may be faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to continue prescribing opioids, which may relieve the patient’s pain but also increase the risk of addiction and other adverse outcomes.
They may need to balance the patient’s right to pain relief and quality of life with the ethical responsibility to avoid harm and prevent the misuse of prescription drugs. Also, they may need to consider alternative treatments, such as non-opioid pain management strategies or addiction treatment, while also providing the patient with education and support to help prevent drug misuse.
In addition, healthcare workers may face ethical problems related to patients in a state of poverty. For example, imagine a patient who is unable to afford their medication due to financial constraints. The healthcare worker may be faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to prioritize the patient’s health or financial well-being.
The healthcare worker may need to consider alternative medication options in Healthcare Ethical Problem scenario. These may be such as generic or less expensive brands, while also providing the patient with education and resources to help them access affordable healthcare. They may need to work with the patient to develop a plan that balances their medical needs with their financial constraints, while also advocating for systemic changes to improve access to affordable healthcare.
In both situations, healthcare workers must navigate complex ethical considerations while providing patient-centered care. They must balance the patient’s individual needs and rights with broader social and systemic factors that influence health and healthcare access in a Healthcare Ethical Problem scenario. By engaging in ongoing ethical reflection and education, healthcare workers can navigate these challenges with compassion and professionalism, while upholding the highest ethical standards of the profession.
