Nursing Informatics NR-599 Final Exam Study Guide Ethical decision making: The process of making informed choices about ethical dilemmas based on a set of standards differentiating right from wrong. The decision making reflects an understanding of the principles and standards of ethical decision making, as well as philosophical approaches to ethical decision making. It requires a systematic framework for addressing the complex and often controversial moral questions. Ethical Model for Ethical Decision Making E Examine the ethical dilemma (conflicting values exist). T Thoroughly comprehend the possible alternatives available. H Hypothesize ethical arguments. I Investigate, compare, & evaluate the argumentsfor each alternative. C Choose the alternative you would recommend. A Act on your chosen alternative L Look at the ethical dilemma & examine the outcomes while reflecting on the ethical decision. Bioethical standards: Bioethics is the study and formulation of healthcare ethics. Bioethics takes on relevant ethical problems experienced by healthcare providersin the provision of care to individuals and groups. Bioethics Principles Early founders of bioethics put forth 4 principles which form the framework for moral reasoning: 1. Autonomy: The right of an individual to choose for themselves. Refersto the individual’s freedom from controlling interferences by others and from personal limitations that prevent meaningful choices, such as adequate understanding. Two conditions are essential for autonomy: liberty (meaning the independence from controlling influences) and the individual’s capacity for intentional action. 2. Nonmaleficence: Doing no harm. Asserts an obligation not to inflict harm intentionally and forms the framework for the standard of due care to be met by any professional. Obligations of nonmaleficence are obligations of not inflicting harm and not imposing risks of harm. (Negligence—a departure from the standard of due care toward others— includes intentionally imposing risks that are unreasonable and unintentionally but carelessly imposing risks.) 3. Beneficence: Actions performed that contribute to the welfare of others. Two principles underlie beneficence: Positive beneficence requires the provision of benefits, and utility requires that benefits and drawbacks be balanced. One must avoid negative beneficence, which occurs when constraints are placed on activities that, even though they might not be unjust, could in some situations cause detriment or harm to others.