Question

Describe some of the legal and ethical aspects associated with consent. What is the role of the organization with regards to consent?

Define the following terms: living wills, advance medical directives, surrogate decision making, ordinary care, extraordinary care.

1 page maximun

Answer 1

1. Consent is an vital topic in bioethics. It is linked to both ethics and healthcare. It includes competency, privacy, autonomy and confidentiality. In daily life, an individual gives consent to many things. In healthcare, consent is given to the physician receiving personal information, doing diagnostic tests and providing treatment both medically and surgically. Consent is both legal and ethical. So it is important to clear up if it has to focus on law or ethics. This is complicated because there are many laws in different communities and thus reflects on the personal attitudes and decision making. In the ethical terms consent means the patient's autonomy. The patient has the basic rights to decide and obtain information regarding the treatment. In legal terms consent is obtained before touching and providing care and performing procedures on the patient.

2. The organization either plays the role of a care giver or patient advocate. It ensures that the patient gets quality care by explaining medical and nursing care and procedures.

3. Living wills: It is a legal document which states the type of medical care that the patient does or doesn't want when the patient is unable to communicate the wishes. For example in case of unconscious patient, a living will is obtained from the patient's family members.

Advance medical directives: It is a legal document which states the actions to be taken if they can no longer be able to take decisions due to illness or incapacity.

Surrogate decision making: This is done if the patient is unable to take decisions regarding healthcare. Someone else gives direction for decision making.

Ordinary care: The care that a reasonable man would get under circumstances. Example: food, air and water.

Extraordinary care: It is the care that gives extra burden to the individual or community. Example: Medical treatment.