Ethical Issues in Healthcare: The Role of Family in Medical Decision-Making

[Audio] Good morning everyone. Today we'll be looking at the ethical issues surrounding healthcare and in particular the role of family within the context of medical decision-making. We will consider the principles of autonomy beneficence non-maleficence and justice as they relate to this issue. Let us begin by exploring the first of these principles..

[Audio] Medical decision-making can be a complex matter and involving the family can add an extra layer of complexity. Ethical principles should be applied in the consideration of the family's role to ensure that autonomous decisions are made without interference positive steps are taken to do good for others and harm to individuals is avoided in a fair manner..

[Audio] With the move away from paternalism and towards patient autonomy in medical ethics the role of family members in medical decision-making has become increasingly important. All stakeholders must be taken into account honouring the patient's autonomy for the best outcome for everyone involved. To achieve this the core ethical principles of autonomy beneficence non-maleficence and justice must be considered. Autonomy requires that the patient is the ultimate decision-maker for their own medical choices; family members should respect this and may only offer guidance not make decisions for them. In some cases exceptions may occur. It is essential to ensure the patient's autonomy is respected while striving for an outcome that satisfies all stakeholders..

[Audio] When it comes to making medical decisions families and individuals may face difficult circumstances. Autonomy and beneficence are two ethical principles that can assist in making the right choices. Autonomy gives the right to make decisions that are based on personal determination. Beneficence focuses on preserving fairness and avoiding harm. It is vital to consider how these two principles come together when family members are included in medical decision-making. Self-determination must be respected acknowledging that family members may have unique perspectives that are highly beneficial. All aspects of ethical principles must be considered when addressing the intricate ethical dilemmas of medical decision-making..

[Audio] Families are of utmost importance when it comes to medical decision-making as it can be beneficial for both the patient and the healthcare provider. However it is not without its potential roadblocks including possible conflicts of interest privacy violations and disagreements between the patient's wishes and the family's influence. To mitigate these issues communication should be clear and effective planning for care should be done in advance and ethics should be consulted to ensure decisions taken are done with all parties' interests taken into consideration..

[Audio] To sum up we have spoken about how family members can influence medical choices and highlighted a multitude of moral dilemmas. We have focused on autonomy beneficence nonmaleficence and justice as the main ethical points in making healthcare decisions. The conversation between family and medical staff is key to guarantee that the decisions are taken for the patient's welfare and respecting the family-patient relationship. By following these ethical rules we can try to make the correct decisions for the patient's benefit..

[Audio] I presented the ethical issues healthcare professionals face when it comes to including families in medical decision-making. I discussed three studies. Aoki and others published in 2022 explored the use of shared decision-making interventions. Peterson Karlawish and Largent published in 2021 examined how to support decision-making with those at the margins of autonomy. Pietilä Nurmi Halkoaho and Kyngäs from 2020 investigated the ethical considerations of content analysis in nursing science research. I hope this presentation has raised awareness of this important topic and that you can use the insights in your daily lives. Thank you for your attention..