HLT 205 Week 3 Discussion Question One
HLT 205 Week 3 Discussion Question One
The patient, the health care professional, and the health care system form a relationship in which each is dependent upon the other. What is the significance of trust in this relationship? Describe the ethical framework for establishing “trustworthiness.” Cite references to support your response.
Definition
The professional-patient relationship is a bond of trust between the patient and the medical professional who is performing treatment.
The relationship established between patients and health care providers is fiduciary in nature, which means that it is based on trust. In this respect it is similar to the relationships between lawyers and clients or between clergy and their congregations. The professional
HLT 205 Week 3 Discussion Question One
trusts the patient or client to disclose all the information that may be relevant to his or her condition or illness, and to be truthful while disclosing it. In return, the patient or client trusts the health care professional to maintain high standards of competence; to protect the confidentiality of private information; and to carry out his or her work in the best interests of the patient rather than taking advantage of the patient’s vulnerability.
Ethical principles
Health care professionals are obligated to act according to ethical and legal standards. Ethical guidelines refer to the moral standards that are considered to govern health care. The fundamental ethical principles underlying Western medical practice have not changed since they were first enunciated by Hippocrates (460–377 bc). These principles include:
- Honesty: The professional does not withhold necessary information from the patient or lie to the patient about the nature or seriousness of his or her condition.
- Beneficence (doing good): The professional uses his or her knowledge and skills to balance good results and potential harms, and act in the patient’s best interests.
- Justice. The professional does not refuse treatment on the basis of a patient’s race, religion, nationality, income, or other personal characteristic.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest. This principle means that the professional must not benefit personally from his or her professional actions or influence. For example, a physician should prescribe a particular medication because it is the best choice for the patient, not because the professional owns stock in the company that manufactures the drug.
- Pledging to do no harm. This principle means that the professional must avoid actions detrimental to the patient.
All major organizations of health care providers, including the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Nurses Association have formal ethical guidelines for professional-patient relationships. These ethical policy statements are based on the ancient Hippocratic oath.