I would respond to the circumstance by granting Mr. Newcomb's request to see his mistress. Patient engagement is critical in nursing care and is also recognized as a legal entitlement of American people. Patients value their engagement as well, and some play a passive role. Patients' needs must be met because their involvement in their care increases motivation and adherence to medicine prescriptions, as well as satisfaction with the care provided. In order to meet the patients' requests and expectations, they must be involved in their care. By their intellectual capacity, the nurse also provides the patient the ability to choose alternatives. The principle requires that the medical procedures be done with the intent of doing well for the involved patient. It requires that healthcare providers develop and maintain their skills and knowledge, continual training and consider the circumstances of all the patients and strive for the benefit of all. While discussing this ethical principle, the physicians are expected to discard all causes of harm to the patient since the goal of medicine is promoting patients' welfare. Therefore the principle is crucial in preventing and removing harm as well as weighs the benefits of treatment against potential risks. I would practice this principle by granting Mr. Newcomb a chance to be attended to at the hospice since it's for the benefit of the patient. Upon requesting to discontinue medication, it means doing well as per the wishes of the patient. The nurses in this scenario balance the benefits associated with a particular treatment against the risks and the overall cost of treatment. In this case, I would encourage Mr. Newcomb to embrace hospice programs.
Principle of non-maleficence
Beneficence is closely linked to the ethical principle of non-maleficence where the health service providers are required to conduct health procedures that do not harm the patient or the society at large. The ethical principle implies that the harm caused by the treatment should be disproportionate to its benefits. In this case, I would not recommend ineffective therapies to Mr. Newton since there will be not benefits but increase the risks that the patient is exposed to. I wouldn't recommend to Newton the interventions that are likely to bring no benefit at all.
The principle of autonomy
Autonomy can be defined as the individual rule of self that's free from control and interferences from other people and personal limitations that prevents the choices made. Autonomous people act with intentions and understand the matter without being influenced by others. Respecting autonomy is a core principle of medical ethics (Rancih et al., 2005). It not only means showing the patients how to make individual decisions but also important in making an informed choice. In this case, I would educate Mr. Newcomb to understand the situation he is in. I would help him calm his emotions, in any case, he is annoyed and guides him through overcoming the fear while making his informed decision. I would give an example of presenting all the treatment options for Mr. Newcomb before going to the hospice. I would do this through explaining the risks of the available treatments to remove harms that Mr. Newcomb would be subjected to.
Principle of Justice
It is the moral obligation act fairly in adjudicating the competing claims. It's more about fairness and equality of the patients being served. In applying this ethical principle, I would treat Mr. Newton in an equal manner to others and grant him the access to treatment of his choice.
How personal values and beliefs influence responses
Many countries do not have a curriculum for medical ethics. However, medical ethics courses are provided in medical schools. The importance of each principle is emphasized by the principles and values in the oaths taken by the nurses and physicians and acts as the guidance in health care practices. Hippocratic Oath is just one of the several oaths that must be maintained by both old and new physicians and nurses in the health service provision (Stewart, 2011). Hippocratic Oath emphasizes on several common values behind the ethical principles of justice, beneficence, non-maleficence and the principle of autonomy.
Three strategies for promoting self-care
Family support and social groups
Involvement of the family and social groups such as friends boosts self-esteem and self-care (Hairon, 2007). However, there have been difficulties in the promotion of support care strategy to the patients. Therefore, there is a need for strengthening and establishing support through networking with the social actors in the country (Liarine et al., 2014). It involves preparing friends and families of the patient for emotional support.
Multidisciplinary approach
There is need of involving other health service providers in promoting self-care activities. The multidisciplinary team includes a nutritionist, doctor, and even a psychological counsel to maintain self-esteem of the patient and make them stick to self-care practices (Liarine et al., 2014). The professionals are helpful in promoting the patients capacity to plan for themselves adequately.
Autonomy
Autonomy in nurses involves the process of providing care for the individuals with chronic health conditions. When the nurse increases their chances of practicing autonomy, they promote self-care t the patient through boosting self-esteem. The nurse is in the position to guide the patient during the consultation hours by encouraging the patients and showing them never to impose anything (Liarine et al., 2014).
References
Hairon, N. (2007) Evidence on the effectiveness of self-care support strategies.
Nursing Times; 103: 49, 21–22.
Liarine Fernandes Bedin et al. (2014). Strategies to promote self-esteem, autonomy and
self-care practices for people with chronic wounds. Retrieved on 10 Nov. 2017 from http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1983-14472014000300061#aff5
Rancich A.M., Perez M.L., Morales C., Gelpi R.J. (2005)Beneficence, justice and
lifelong learning expressed in medical oaths. J Contin Educ Health Prof.;25:211-220
Stewart Gabel. (2011) Ethics and Values in Clinical Practice: Whom Do They Help?
86(5): 421–424. Retrieved on 10 Nov. 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3084645/
