The Ethical Dimensions of Health Care Professionals by Ruth Purtilo

Ruth Purtilo's (2005) text, Ethical dimensions in the health professions, presents a comprehensive analysis of the key ethical challenges in the health professions. Purtilo (2005) segments her analysis of ethical issues impacting upon health care providers into five areas: the nature of morality and ethics, the ethical dimensions of professional roles, ethical dimensions of the patient-caregiver relationship, ethical issues related to en-of-life care, and ethical issues in the social context of health care. Using a combination of theoretical analysis and case studies, Purtilo (2005) argues that an "ethic of care" must necessarily permeate all actions undertaken by health care providers. The goal of the text is to delineate the major issues in the field and the most appropriate responses to those issues; central to the argument made by Purtilo (2005) is the field's emphasis on doing no harm and employing high ethical standards for professional conduct in all instances. Identifying conflict between an ethic of care and duty and other considerations including the autonomy of the patient and the demands of the legal system is a key concern for Purtilo (2005), who also calls for cultural sensitivity in an increasingly multicultural practice setting as well as recognition of the inherent dignity of the patient.

Introduction to Ethical Dimensions in Health Professions

In this section of the text, Purtilo (2005) differentiates between morality per

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lenged by multiple opportunities for behaving unethically or taking an easy way out of a difficult situation. This must be avoided because what is required of the health care professional at all times is what Purtilo (2005) calls a caring response. Purtilo (2005) points out that most health care institutions are for-profit entities that attempt to maximize productivity and profitability, often at the expense of patient care. The challenge for the caregiver is to recognize the needs of the institution and the rights of the patient. To live ethically within the health care organization, Purtilo (2005) states that one must balance these conflicting needs. At all times, however, the ethical health care provider will recognize that a duty of care is owed to the patient which must be the primary focus of all actions. Differentiating between the obligations one owes to colleagues and employers and those obligations owed to patients may be challenging, but it is a task that must be addressed. Ethical Dimensions of the Professional-Patient Relationship In this section of the text, Purtilo (2005) addresses questions regarding the rights of patients to confidentiality, privacy, informed consent, and treatment as autonomous hu

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