their decision-making processes so that they can address the physical needs of the patient in the context of their psychological needs. Husted and Husted developed a bioethical decision making model for nurses in 1991, and expanded it in 1995 to become more of a theory of nursing which is being tested now (Simpko, 1999, 4-5). Husted and Husted named their model the ôSymphonological Ethic,ö and it is based on the nature of agreement, emphasizing the strength of the relationship between the nurse and the patient.
Husted and Husted noted six bioethical standards in their model: autonomy, freedom, privacy, fidelity, beneficence, and objectivity (Simpko. 1999 6). Autonomy recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, their right to be whatever they want to be, to be treated according to that uniqueness, and their right to take individual action. Freedom embraces the ideals of self-directedness, and demands that nothing be done to the patient without their express consent. It also refers to an agentÆs (nurseÆs) capacity to take independent action based on their own evaluation of the situation. Objectivity refers to the sharing of information with another when this is consistent with the healthcare/professional agreement, and will do the patient no harm. Privacy refers to self-ownership and control; the right to be free of undesired interaction; to control oneÆs own time and efforts; to initiate oneÆs own actions; and the right not to be deceived or coerced into action. Beneficence is to do good, and not to do harm, and the weighing of benefits and harm in light of the patientÆs situation. Finally, fidelity refers to adherence to the terms of the agreement, commitment to any promises made, and honoring any agreements made with the patient (11).
Bioethical standards form the basis for nurse-patient interactions, placing the nurse in the position of being the patientÆs agent and doing for them what they cannot do for ...