Question

Psychiatrist, Dr. Susan Beck examined T.D. Chang, 52 year old professor , married with 2 children for only 15 to 20 minutes. Dr. Brunetti wanted her to tell him how Mr. Chang might respond to the news that he has prostate cancer. Dr. Brunetti does not want to tell him what is suspected and what he might have unless it is absolutely necessary. Dr. Beck disagrees. Should Mr. Chang be informed of his condition, the possibilities and the reason for further tests? How would someone respond to this situation using the ethical principles of: (Respond using the principles of the ethical tradition for your group NATURAL LAW THeroist ?

Answer 1

Principles of ethics are *Beneficence. : Providers actively contribute to the health and wellbeing of the patient *Non maleficence : Its duty to avoid harming patients and to actively prevent harm when possible. * Autonomy. :Its duty of providers to take informed concent and provide information about patient.Patient have right to decide their own course of treatment and to follow a plan which they freely agree. *Justice. :Fair distribution of care -act or process of providing equal care to all. * Promise keeping. Providers must not share information about patient unless with other involved in their care. *Truth telling : Health care provider and the patient must tell the truth carriers over into documentation and medical record keeping. A patient who withhold information ,or provides untrue information place self at risk ,and make the health care provider job difficult.

There are two fundamental tenants of the traditional approach to ethics : 1.paternalism: the need to protect some one from his or her judgments . 2.Reparation : The obligation to repair any harm caused to others accidentally or on purpose.

Natural law theorists believe that human laws are defined by mortality and not by an authority figure,like a king or a government.Natural law theory that recognizes law and mortality as deeply connected.Mortality relates to what is right and wrong and what is good or bad. Natural law approach to slove ethical dilemmas believe that right to live their life.

Based on given data about the patient and the doctors conversation ,prostate cancer is just suspected . So it is bad to inform patient about prostate cancer unless it was confirmed by investigation. Just advice to have further investigation .In this way they can respond to patient.