Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare
Course Description
With the advent of astounding scientific and technological advances in every area of health care, today’s healthcare environment is increasingly fraught with complex patient care issues. Healthcare professionals often have varying views on legal and ethical dilemmas that make it difficult to act in ways consistent with their own support for patient autonomy. The variation in individual state approaches to laws and professional standards, as well as specific codes of ethics, makes ethical dilemmas challenging for many healthcare providers and patients and family members.
Purpose/GoalThe outcome of this course is for the learner to provide an overview of contemporary ethical dilemmas found in healthcare today.
Course Objectives – Upon completion you will be able to do the following:
- Describe common ethical dilemmas related to maternal-fetal rights.
- Explain the role of various types of advance directives in the health care setting.
- Identify the reasons for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
- Discuss ethical issues related to futile care.
- Explain the types of euthanasia and ethical concerns related to them.
- Discuss ethical dilemmas associated with assisted suicide.
- Identify the role of healthcare ethics committees.
CONTACT HOURS–1.0
