At the end of the case study, the physician tells you the decision he made. Do you feel that this decision was ethical? Support your decision by discussing justice, autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.

 

Answer:

Yes, the decision is ethical.  The patient has a right to demand, except where such disclosures benefit public health and safety, that all information, communication, and records concerning his care are treated as confidential. 

Let us consider the following ethical principles in this scenario.

• Justice is defined as a form of fairness. Treatment for the patient was fair considering that he is a high ranking official. Aside from that, he was also provided resources and  treatment regardless of occupation and economic status, ]
• Autonomy- In health decisions, our respect for patient autonomy would, in common, mean the patient is capable of acting intentionally, intelligently and without controlling influences that would mitigate a free and voluntary act. According to he scenario in relation to the patient's autonomy, the patient has a right to make independent decisions to subject himself to treatment. However, it may be possible that the patient is in denial of his alcoholic problems thus violating another principle known as beneficence. Ultimately, it does not benefit patient in long run and can cause harm.
• Beneficence- This  principle means to do something for the patient and supports a series of moral rules for safeguarding and defending the rights of others, preventing harm and removing harmful conditions. In beneficence positive action must have positive impact on the patient. In relation to the scenario, it was clear that the benefits of telling his superior to undergo treatment can do more good than harm. Aside from that, knowing he is a pilot, he has responsibility over his passengers for safety, thus it benefits society as a whole.
• Non-maleficence-The principle of non-maleficence calls for us, whether by commissioning or omission, not to intentionally harm or injure the patient. In relation to this principle in this scenario, demonstration of being negligent to the patient was not evident. 

These are my insights with regards to the scenario given on this ethical dilemma. It was also rationalized of the doctors decision to disclose the information because he was a risk to the Air Force One  and would be forced to undergo treatment or be removed from service. 

As far as autonomy is concerned, the other ethical principles should be considered knowing the nature of his job and for public safety. 

Neither of these principles can be ethically based alone. It needs to be weighed and balanced according to the difficult situation, and sometimes we do not have alternatives as health care professionals just like what the physician did. 

References:

Cash, K. (2013, March 1). Autonomy Versus Beneficence An Ethical Dilemma Law Medical Essay. Uni Assignment Centre. https://www.uniassignment.com/essay-samples/law/autonomy-versus-beneficence-an-ethical-dilemma-law-medical-essay.php

McCormick, T. (n.d.). Principles of Bioethics. Depts.Washington.Edu/. Retrieved June 5, 2021, from https://depts.washington.edu/bhdept/ethics-medicine/bioethics-topics/articles/principles-bioethics

Rosenberg, S. (2021, April 28). Why Ethics in Nursing Matters. Https://Www.Snhu.Edu/. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/2018/05/ethics-in-nursing