Script

Slide Topic Script

1 Introduction Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the

realm of ethical decision-making in clinical
practice. Our focus lies on understanding the
intricacies of ethical dilemmas and the legal
frameworks guiding our actions. We'll use a
poignant clinical scenario, "The Extraordinary
Decisions Facing Italian Doctors," as our
reference point. Let's embark on this journey
together.

2 Ethical Dilemma In this scenario, nurses are confronted with a

profound ethical dilemma: allocating scarce
medical resources during a pandemic. The
decision to allocate resources such as
ventilators, intensive care beds, and
life-saving treatments is complex and fraught
with ethical considerations. Nurses must
balance the principles of beneficence (doing
good) by providing the best possible care to
patients, non-maleficence (avoiding harm) by
ensuring that treatments do not cause
unnecessary suffering or worsen outcomes,
justice (fairness) by distributing resources
equitably based on need, and autonomy
(respecting patients' rights to make decisions
about their own care) by involving patients in
treatment decisions whenever possible.

3 Utilitarianism and Deontology Utilitarianism and deontology represent

two main ethical theories guiding
decision-making in healthcare.

4 Duty of Care and Fidelity
Utilitarianism advocates for actions that
maximize overall happiness or utility, often by
saving the most lives. In contrast, deontology
emphasizes adherence to moral rules or duties,
often prioritizing individual rights and
autonomy. While these theories may
sometimes lead to ethical conflicts or
dilemmas, there are strategies to lessen their
effects.
One approach is to engage in open dialogue
and collaborative decision-making, allowing
healthcare teams to explore different
perspectives and values.
Additionally, nurses can use ethical
decision-making frameworks such as the
Model for Ethical Decision Making to
systematically analyze ethical dilemmas and
identify potential solutions that align with
both utilitarian and deontological principles.
By understanding the nuances of each ethical
theory and finding common ground, nurses
can navigate ethical conflicts more effectively
and uphold the principles of patient-centered
care and ethical practice.
Drawing from the reading, "The Extraordinary
Decisions Facing Italian Doctors," we see
firsthand the profound ethical dilemmas
healthcare professionals encounter,
particularly during times of crisis. Nurses, as
frontline caregivers, are entrusted with the
responsibility of upholding a duty of care that
extends beyond mere adherence to protocols.
 This duty encompasses ensuring patient
safety, advocating for their well-being, and
providing competent care amidst the myriad
challenges posed by the pandemic.

In the context of the Italian doctors' dilemma,

nurses are confronted with the daunting task
of allocating scarce medical resources while
upholding their duty of care to all patients,
regardless of their chances of survival. This
decision is fraught with ethical complexities,
as it involves balancing the principles of
beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and
autonomy. Nurses must navigate these ethical
considerations delicately, striving to maximize
benefits while minimizing harm, and ensuring
fair and equitable distribution of resources.

In addition to their duty of care, nurses must

maintain fidelity in their professional
relationships. Fidelity is essential in fostering
trust and confidence among patients and
colleagues, especially in times of uncertainty
and distress. By honoring their commitments
and maintaining transparency in their actions,
nurses can cultivate a supportive environment
where patients feel respected, valued, and
empowered to participate in their care
decisions.

5 Beneficence, Non-Maleficence Beneficence, a cornerstone of ethical nursing

practice, calls upon nurses to actively promote
the well-being of their patients. It involves
going beyond the mere provision of medical
treatment to encompass holistic care that
addresses patients' physical, emotional, and
 psychosocial needs. Through compassionate
care and advocacy, nurses strive to enhance
their patients' health and quality of life,
fostering a therapeutic relationship built on
trust, empathy, and respect.

Non-maleficence, on the other hand,

emphasizes the imperative to do no harm.
While nurses are committed to promoting the
well-being of their patients, they must also be
vigilant in avoiding actions that may cause
harm or injury. This principle underscores the
importance of critical thinking and ethical
decision-making in nursing practice, as nurses
navigate complex clinical situations where the
potential for harm may arise from various
sources, including medical interventions,
communication breakdowns, and system
failures.

The interplay between beneficence and

non-maleficence underscores the delicate
balance required in nursing practice. Nurses
must weigh the potential benefits of their
actions against the risks of harm, considering
the unique circumstances and preferences of
each patient. This balance becomes
particularly challenging in situations where
there are competing ethical principles or
limited resources, such as in the allocation of
scarce medical resources during a pandemic.

6 Justice including Distributive Justice Justice demands fair and equitable treatment
of individuals, regardless of factors such as
socioeconomic status, race, or gender. In
healthcare, this translates to ensuring fair
 allocation of resources and equitable access to
care for all patients. Distributive justice plays
a vital role in resource allocation, ensuring
that limited resources are distributed in a
manner that maximizes benefits for the
population as a whole.

7 The Tort of Negligence The tort of negligence is a foundational legal

concept that underpins the standard of care
expected of healthcare professionals,
including nurses. In the context of the reading,
"The Extraordinary Decisions Facing Italian
Doctors," negligence becomes a central
consideration as healthcare providers navigate
the allocation of scarce medical resources
during a pandemic. Nurses, as frontline
caregivers, bear the responsibility of
providing care consistent with established
standards and protocols, despite the
challenges posed by resource constraints and
ethical dilemmas.

Understanding the elements of

negligence—duty, breach, causation, and
harm—provides nurses with a framework for
assessing the legal implications of their
actions in practice. By exploring case studies
or examples relevant to the clinical scenario
presented in the reading, nurses can appreciate
the real-world implications of negligence and
identify strategies to mitigate the risk of lapses
in care. Moreover, recognizing the legal
ramifications of negligence underscores the
importance of maintaining high standards of
professionalism and accountability in nursing
practice. Through ongoing education,
 reflection, and collaboration with
interdisciplinary teams, nurses can uphold
their duty to provide safe and effective care to
their patients, thereby promoting patient
safety and minimizing legal risks in healthcare
delivery.

8 Conclusion As healthcare professionals, it is essential that we

remain committed to upholding the highest
standards of ethical conduct, promoting patient
safety, and advocating for the well-being of those
under our care. By integrating ethical principles
into our daily practice and engaging in ongoing
reflection and education, we can navigate ethical
challenges with integrity, compassion, and
professionalism, ensuring that we provide the best
possible care to our patients while adhering to
legal and ethical standards. Thank you for your
attention and participation in today's presentation.

9 References -