As a health care manager in today’s industry, your values and ethics will guide your daily decisions.
Discuss the following questions with the class:
What impact do individual values have on ethical decision-making? Provide an example.
What may change an individual’s values or ethics? Provide an example.
Full Answer Section
- Respect for Autonomy: Belief in patient autonomy means respecting their right to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This could involve ensuring clear communication about treatment options and obtaining informed consent before procedures.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: Ethical healthcare managers value patient privacy and take steps to safeguard confidential information. This might involve implementing secure electronic health records systems and training staff on data protection protocols.
- Fairness and Equity: A commitment to fairness ensures all patients receive equitable treatment regardless of background or ability to pay. A manager with this value might advocate for financial assistance programs or culturally competent care services.
Examples:
- A manager prioritizes patient safety over profit margins, refusing to pressure staff to cut corners on care.
- A manager upholds whistleblower protections, encouraging staff to report unethical practices without fear of retaliation.
What Changes Values and Ethics?
An individual's values and ethics can evolve throughout life due to various factors:
- Personal Experiences: Direct encounters with illness or ethical dilemmas in healthcare can lead to a deeper understanding of these issues and potentially shift one's values. For example, witnessing medical errors might motivate a manager to implement stricter safety protocols.
- Professional Development: Exposure to ethical frameworks and legal requirements in healthcare can refine an individual's ethical compass. Courses on medical ethics or healthcare law can equip managers to make complex decisions with greater clarity.
- Cultural and Societal Influences: Cultural values and societal beliefs can shape one's ethical views. For instance, a manager from a culture that prioritizes family might be more sensitive to patient requests for flexible care schedules.
Example:
A manager raised in a family that valued volunteer work might be more inclined to champion community outreach programs to provide healthcare access to underserved populations.
By fostering an open and ethical work environment, healthcare organizations can encourage ongoing discussions about values and ensure managers make decisions that prioritize patient well-being and ethical practices.
Sample Answer
The Impact of Values and Ethics in Healthcare Management
Individual Values and Ethical Decision-Making
A healthcare manager's values act as a compass, guiding their decisions towards ethical practices. Here's how:
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Prioritization of Patient Care: A strong value for patient well-being translates to decisions that prioritize quality care, even in situations of resource constraints. For example, a manager with this value might choose to advocate for additional staffing or equipment to ensure patients receive the best possible care.