Patient advocacy is an important aspect of healthcare delivery that aims to ensure that patients are actively involved in their care, have access to the best possible treatments, and receive equitable treatment regardless of their background. Ethics play a crucial role in this process because they provide a framework for understanding how individuals should behave towards each other and what constitutes appropriate behavior within society. In this essay, I will discuss the ethical frameworks underpinning patient advocacy that promotes empowerment, autonomy, and social justice.
The first ethical principle that underpins patient advocacy is respect for persons. This principle requires that all individuals be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or health condition. It recognizes the importance of treating patients as whole human beings rather than simply as patients who need medical attention. Respect for persons means that healthcare providers must listen to patients' concerns, explain treatment options in a way that patients can understand, and involve them in decision making regarding their care. Patients have the right to refuse treatment if they do not feel comfortable with it and the right to be free from coercion or pressure to accept treatment.
The second ethical principle is beneficence, which is concerned with doing good for others. Healthcare providers have a duty to benefit their patients by providing high-quality care that meets their needs and improves their health outcomes. Beneficence also involves protecting patients from harm, reducing suffering, and alleviating pain. Patient advocates work to ensure that patients receive optimal care by advocating for policies and practices that promote access to quality care, such as universal health coverage, increased funding for research and development, and better training for healthcare professionals.
The third ethical principle is non-maleficence, which requires that healthcare providers avoid causing harm. This includes refraining from inflicting physical or emotional harm on patients, performing unnecessary procedures or tests, and failing to provide appropriate care. Non-maleficence also demands that healthcare providers take reasonable steps to prevent harm to patients, even when they are unable to cure them.
Patient advocates may seek to improve palliative care services to minimize suffering at the end of life.
Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own body, health, and wellbeing. Patient advocacy promotes autonomy by empowering patients to participate actively in their care and making informed decisions about their medical treatments. Advocates may educate patients about their options, help them navigate the healthcare system, and support them in decision-making processes. They may also challenge discriminatory practices or policies that limit patients' ability to exercise their rights.
Social justice concerns equitable treatment within society, especially with respect to marginalized groups. In healthcare, social justice means ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality care regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, race, gender, age, or disability. Patient advocates work towards this goal by advocating for policies that promote greater access to healthcare, such as Medicaid expansion and increased funding for community clinics. They may also work to reduce barriers to care faced by specific populations, such as immigrants or people living in rural areas.
Patient advocacy is a complex process that requires consideration of various ethical principles. Respect for persons, beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy are central to this approach because they ensure that patients receive optimal care, experience dignity and respect, and can actively participate in their care. Social justice is crucial because it ensures that everyone has equal access to quality healthcare, irrespective of their background or circumstances. Together, these frameworks enable patient advocacy to empower patients, enhance autonomy, and promote social justice.
What ethical frameworks underpin patient advocacy that promotes empowerment, autonomy, and social justice?
Patient advocacy can be defined as an approach to healthcare where patients are viewed as active participants who have their own preferences, values, and needs. Advocates for this approach believe that it is essential for patient care to include the patient's voice in decision making and not just treat them as passive recipients of medical interventions.