Ethics Week 7

This weeks readings reminded me of my debate discussion. The first section Hofmann book talks about civic responsibility, and how it is difficult to manage limited resources under ethical and economic challenges while still aiming to improve community health. In my debate I am the affirmative side and the topic is whether health care organizations should be able to refuse demands for futile treatments. As one of my main points I talk about limited resources and the fact that health care organizations have a duty to promote overall community health and ensure that the proper resources are there when patients need them. Meaning they should not be "wasted" on futile treatments. We just finished our Q&A session and I will be writing my closing statement in the next few days. I found the debate enlightening. It was interesting to see both points of view, and that both points of view could be considered right. Which actually confuses me even more about ethical decision making. It is difficult to understand where to draw the line and what can be justified. Especially when talking about the life of a human being. Is it ethical to demand resources when then is no positive outcome and they would benefit another? How can you possible make that decision! I am very glad I am not a doctor, because I don't think anything would get accomplished. I would never be able to make a decisions. From a managements perspective I think it is easy to look at facts and analysis the situation for what its worth, without emotions. When you have that one on one connection with the patient and you can actually see and feel their pain, then it can be hard to do what is right for the overall community, not just that individual patient.

The next two sections in the reading for Hofmann discuss advertising in health care and its ethical implications. I actually watched another group debate this during my last semester. This too is also a difficult subject, one where the complexity of the situation is highlighted. Health care is a business and therefore has an objectives to produce revenues. However health care also has an objective to serve the patients best interest, which can be saving a patients life. Typically other businesses do not have this sort of complexity. Trying to meet both objectives and do it in an ethical manner is the real challenge. In regards to advertising the message can be bias and can be twisted. To ensure the organization is advertising to the consumer in an ethical way all relevant data must be presented in order to ensure the consumer is well informed. The consumer should not be persuaded to do purchases a medical product, medication, procedure or visit a certain health care organization if it is not in their best interest. Consumers should be able to make well informed decisions on what is best for them. Health care organizations should make themselves visible to the public. Knowledge is the key.