Ethics in the US Healthcare System, Coursework Example

Introduction

Chronic disease care in the United States is a complex problem that requires a high level of attention and focus. Millions of people have been diagnosed with one or more chronic illnesses, and many persons live with these diseases and have not been formally diagnosed. This is a serious health concern that may contribute to negative health outcomes across many population groups. Chronic disease has a significant hold on many people; therefore, it must be taken seriously in the healthcare community in order to reduce the risks associated with these diseases and the behaviors that contribute to their manifestation in many adults. These factors are important in determining how to best manage healthcare outcomes and to make ethically responsible decisions that will impact patients successfully. The following discussion will address the objectives associated with chronic disease and how it impacts patients and their wellbeing. Chronic disease requires an ethically appropriate framework that includes behavioral modifications so that patients are able to recognize any negative behaviors that may contribute to poor health outcomes.

Analysis

The advancement of healthcare practice requires nurses to be proactive in caring for and treating patients with chronic illnesses. It is necessary to adapt to different principles and to recognize the risks that are associated with these practices and how they impact quality of care (Institute of Medicine, 2010). Nurses must utilize their education in a positive manner so that outcomes are achieved and new approaches to patient care and treatment are recognized. It is also imperative that nurses provide a framework for exploring the different dimensions of patient care and treatment, while also evaluating the resources that are available to treat patients with chronic illness in a timely and consistent manner. Patient care must be consistent, appropriate, and supportive of the changes that are required to ensure that patients receive optimal quality of care at all times.

From an ethical perspective, nurses must recognize the importance of healthcare reform and its impact on patient care and wellbeing, given new mandates and regulations regarding insurance and the type of treatments that are covered (Lachman, 2012). Patients who have preexisting conditions such as chronic illness cannot be denied healthcare coverage on this basis; therefore, patients are able to receive the type of care and treatment that is necessary to manage disease and prevent further complications (Lachman, 2012). At the same time, it is important to identify the resources that are required to support patient wellbeing in an ethically responsible manner (Lachman, 2012). All patients are provided with rights that govern their care; therefore, if they suspect that the level of care and treatment is not optimal, they have the right to question this care (Lachman, 2012). Insurance provisions also require that patients are provided with a framework for treating chronic conditions so that their long-term complications are minimized as best as possible (Lachman, 2012).

The U.S. healthcare system is complex and highly bureaucratic, with many different components; therefore, it is important to recognize these concerns and to frame decision-making on the basis of improving patient outcomes (Mason et.al, 2012). This perspective requires ongoing attention and focus on chronic illness and how it impacts patient care in many ways, including quality of life (Mason et.al, 2012). These factors are instrumental in supporting a viable framework for change and progress that will encourage the use of available resources to treat patients efficiently yet effectively, which is aligned with nursing-based ethical perspectives regarding patient care (Mason et.al, 2012). These conditions reflect the importance of developing new frameworks within the nursing continuum to support and enhance quality of care for chronically ill patients (Mason et.al, 2012).

Ethical responsibility for patients with chronic illness is an inherent process that supports nursing practice ethical frameworks and objectives. However, social and political beliefs and expectations may interfere with the ability of care providers to offer care that is consistent with ethical principles (Tronto, 1995). From this perspective, it is evident that nurses may not be able to provide the type and level of care that is required to support patients if there are obstacles in the form of political or social judgments that interfere with treatments in this area (Tronto, 1995). Chronic illness does not discriminate; therefore, nurses and other providers should not discriminate in their efforts to provide care for these conditions on a timely basis in order to prevent further complications (Tronto, 1995). Political motivations should not interfere with existing ethical codes and frameworks for any reason that could impact care and treatment for chronic illness. Therefore, refraining from integrating political judgments based on party lines must be considered as a viable method of prevention in supporting the effective treatment of chronic illness for patients.

Conclusion

Nurses who provide care to chronically ill patients must adhere to specific standards and guidelines that support effective patient outcomes and quality of care on a continuous basis. This process is essential to the discovery of new patient care objectives for chronic illness that are aligned with established codes of ethics. It is imperative that nurses seek new opportunities for care and treatment that will enable chronically ill patients to improve their decision-making capabilities regarding the behaviors that they perform relative to their health, as well as new objectives that will improve the level of care that is provided to all patients on a continuous basis.

References

Institute of Medicine (2010). The future of nursing: leading change, advancing health. Retrieved from http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing/Future%20of%20Nursing%202010%20Recommendations.pdf

Lachman, V.D. (2012). Ethical challenges in the area of healthcare reform. Medsurg Nursing, 21(4), 245, 248-50.

Mason, D.J., Leavitt, J.K., & Chaffee, M.W. (2012). Chapter 13: The United States health care system. From Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care, 6^th Edition. Elsevier.

Tronto, J.C. (1995). Care as a basis for radical political judgments. Hypatia, 10(2), 141-149.