Assignment Example on Medical Ethics

How do healthcare organizations balance mission and profit margin? (10points)

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In achieving a balance between mission and profit margin in healthcare institutions, it is important to understand the actual cost incurred to deliver the service. The hospitals cannot be able to deliver quality healthcare if that drives them to bankruptcy. Therefore, in trying to achieve this balance, it is important for them to be aware of the cost of medical care and the different ways to address these costs. In the U.S. we have Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) which are health systems which tie health care outcomes and cost reduction to physician compensation. The ACOs helps healthcare institutions to accomplish both goals of profit margin and their mission concurrently.

Patient-centered care is an important component of the medical home model. How does the culture of a healthcare organization impact patient-centered care? (5 points)

Culture impacts patient-centered care in that it determines the healthcare practices in an organization and how health systems are designed, managed and reimbursed. Culture influences the process of hiring, training and leadership styles which help organizations achieve patient-centered care. Culture promotes patient engagement which largely impacts patient-centered care.

What are the ethics of patient-centered care? (5 points)

Patient-centered care ethics entails policies which ensure that patients get maximum benefits through the services provided, quality and patient safety. The ethics also promote shared decision-making between patients, families and healthcare practitioners to come up with a customized and comprehensive care plan.

How does the ethics foundation of public health differ from that of clinical medicine? (10 points)

The public health ethics is aimed at clarifying, prioritizing and justifying possible courses of public health action based on ethical principles while clinical ethics entails the practices that apply to the practice of clinical medicine and in scientific research. Public health ethics are mainly undertaken by governments and are directed at the population level, and the principles and values which guide public health can differ from the ones which guide actions in biology and clinical ethics. On the other hand, clinical ethics is based on values such as beneficence, informed consent, non-maleficence, respect for autonomy and justice.

What temptations do healthcare administrators face when choosing moral integrity as a basis for professional actions? (10 points)

The main challenge of choosing moral integrity as a basis for professional actions is that is to be courageous enough to do the right thing even when you don't personally benefit from the decision. The temptations that you are likely to encounter include victimization, favoritism misplaced faith in technology and the power of reason, employee favoritism, misplaced loyalties, and responsibilities.

What are the key features of a professional code of ethics for healthcare administrators? (10 points)

The professional code of ethics covers the standards of ethical behavior prevailing individual behavior especially when that behavior relates to the role and identity of a healthcare practitioner. The code of ethics also sets the basis for relationships with colleagues, patients, the community and the society as a whole.

How does ethics apply to the functions of healthcare administration? (10 points)

Ethics in healthcare administration will help the patients to retain the control of their bodies and make their own decisions. It also enables healthcare providers to offer procedures and treatments which are to the uttermost benefit of the patient.