NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Attempt 1 Applying Ethical Principles

Using the Ethical Decision-Making Model to Analyze the Case Study

Moral awareness, moral judgement and ethical behavior, which are the main pillars of the ethical decision-making model, can assist in analyzing this case study. Moral awareness, the first step to behaving ethically, refers to a health care professional’s ability to detect and appreciate 

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ethical aspects of a decision that they must consider. Dr. Kerr understood that Jenna and Chris Smith thought they were morally right in making the choice to not have Ana vaccinated and that going against their wishes would be a breach of the ethical provision which provides for autonomy.

Moral judgement refers to a health care professional’s personal beliefs about what is right and wrong. Dr. Kerr demonstrated moral judgement when she informed Ana’s parents about the advantages of having her vaccinated because she felt it was the right thing to do. She hoped that she could convince the parents to allow Ana to be immunized by doing so. Health care professionals should ensure that patients and their parents make informed decisions. The pediatrician also understood that informing the Smith’s was the right thing to do so that their decisions would be based on facts. 

 Ethical behavior results from the application of moral awareness and moral judgement. It refers to applying the core bioethical principles when making ethical decisions. Dr. Kerr’s ethical behavior appeared to manifest in her observation of the bioethical principles of ethics – autonomy, beneficence, justice and nonmaleficence. Whereas autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their medical care. Beneficence denotes the determination to do good to others by showing kindness, charity and mercy. Meanwhile,  nonmaleficence requires health care professionals to weigh the medical benefits and risks of their actions in patients, while justice ensures that an ethical practice abides by the law. Dr. Kerr should consider all of these principles before making a decision regarding Ana’s case.