Resolving Ethical dilemmas by applying ethical principles

In this case study, Dr. Kerr’s recommendation having Ana being vaccinated causes the ethical dilemma. Dr. Kerr believes the vaccine would be best for Ana whereas Ana’s parents chose to raise her naturally as possible and didn’t consent to get Ana vaccinated. To best navigate these challenges, health care workers need to follow four fundamentals of ethics -autonomy, beneficence, non- maleficence and justice. Autonomy states the patient has the right to make the decision for themselves. Beneficence means acting in the best interest of the patient. Non maleficence means do not harm intentionally, and the justice emphasizes fairness and equality among individuals. For this case study, the ethical dilemma conflicts begin with autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence. Dr. Kerr respects Ana’s parents’ beliefs and listens to them attentively (autonomy). Even though, Dr. Kerr respects their beliefs, she tries to educate Ana’s parents about vaccination and its benefits (beneficence). Furthermore, Dr. Kerr utilizing the principle of non-maleficence when she informs Jenna and Chris that vaccine protects young children or sick children who are to unable to receive any vaccine due to their medical condition. This points out Dr. Kerr’s commitment to the welfare of the community and as well as to her other clients. Dr. Kerr, as a physician, she has to make sure no one is unfairly disadvantaged when it comes to access healthcare (Justice). Dr. Kerr followed all the principles. Listening to Smith’s concerns during each visit and providing education during each pediatrician visit may help to resolve this issue. By implementing this approach, the parents will have more time to review and they may feel to change their decision as they do more research. Get Your Paper Ready in No Time!! Our Professional Ph.D. Writers are here for you! Conclusion  Health care professionals face ethical dilemmas on a day by day basis. This issue can be handled efficiently by applying ethical principles. In this case study, the ethical dilemma was that parents declined to get their five-day old newborn get vaccinated despite of well explanation and rationale from their daughter’s pediatrician, Dr. Kerr. In order to resolve this dilemma, Dr. Kerr would have adhered to the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice.

    References 

Baumgaertner, B., Carlisle, J E., Justwan, F (2018). The influence of political ideology and trust on willingness to vaccinate. PLOS ONE 13(1): e0191728.