Ethical Issues in Epidemiologic Research, Essay Example

The article by Coughlin (2006) addresses the importance of moral reasoning and other ethical concerns that impact healthcare practice in many ways, and how these issues are likely to influence patient care interactions and decision-making. Furthermore, issues regarding conflict of interest are critical to the success of the healthcare process and require institutional support and guidance to minimize these conflicts as best as possible (Coughlin, 2006). Organizations must be able to reflect upon the challenges of healthcare practice and aim to be proactive in working with patients to minimize risks involving informed consent and other areas where clinical procedures and/or testing are required to determine diagnoses and other considerations (Coughlin, 2006). From this perspective, it is necessary to develop strategies whereby patients are provided with factual information early on in the process to enable them to make positive decisions regarding their wellbeing (Coughlin, 2006). Therefore, knowledge must be forthcoming and bias must be minimized in order to be successful in treating patients effectively and without additional levels of risk (Coughlin, 2006). These issues are essential to clinical practice because they convey the realities of patient care and support a dynamic that will support successful patient care and wellbeing for all persons.

Personal ethics and faith impact work practice and integrity because they demonstrate the value of advancing patient care outcomes and objectives at a high level to meet expectations and support long-term success in the treatment of all patients. Personal values and beliefs must be considered because they provide value to all patient care experiences and supports a healthcare worker’s ability to work under his or her own value paradigm in treating patients. This process is instrumental to the success of patient care and treatment and has a lasting impact on how patients perceive their experiences in the healthcare setting. A mutually beneficial approach is desired in order to be successful in working with patients at a high level that will impact their overall health and recovery.

References

Coughlin, S. S. (2006). Ethical issues in epidemiologic research and public health practice. Emerg Themes Epidemiol, 3(16), 1-10.