| |
|
The Ethics of Care: Prioritizing Relationships in
Decision-Making |
|
|
The Ethics of Care (EOC) is a philosophical approach that prioritizes the
importance of emotions and relationships in ethical decision-making. Unlike
traditional ethical philosophies that rely on rigid rules and procedures,
EOC recognizes that decisions cannot be made without considering the
relationships between different individuals. This approach has been widely
adopted in healthcare practice, with doctors realizing the importance of
developing meaningful connections with their patients.
One key aspect of EOC is the recognition that emotions and relationships may
influence decision-making. This can result in biases towards individuals
with whom one shares a relationship, leading to ethical errors. However, EOC
also emphasizes the integration of all factors that come into play in
decision-making, including rules and regulations. This ensures that
decisions are not based on a single set of factors but rather an integration
of all relevant factors.
Self-reflection is a crucial aspect of EOC, as it encourages individuals to
interrogate their decision-making processes and recognize any biases that
may be present. In healthcare practice, doctors have found it essential to
develop meaningful connections with their patients, ensuring mutual trust
and advocating for the best outcomes. This involves prioritizing other
aspects of their patients' lives, in addition to their diseases, to ensure
better treatment and forge strong bonds.
The application of EOC in healthcare practice has been revolutionary, as
demonstrated by the response of doctors to the storm in Puerto Rico in 2017.
Despite the challenges posed by a category four hurricane, doctors pulled
together to care for their people, going beyond the call of duty and
standards set for them before they could attend to patients. They
demonstrated care for the plight of their patients, attending to them
despite the risks to their own lives, and ensured that the affected people
could seek much-needed healthcare. This exemplifies the crucial aspect of
EOC, which requires professionals to look beyond mandatory requirements and
carry out duties based on the connections forged.
Doctors also demonstrate adherence to EOC within the palliative care wards
that deal with terminally ill patients. In this field, doctors focus on
ensuring their patients achieve maximum comfort within the latter days of
their lives with no possibility of healing. This practice recognizes the
importance of providing comfort to patients in addition to curative care and
acknowledges the emotional impact of terminal illness on patients and their
families.
In conclusion, the Ethics of Care represents a crucial shift in ethical
decision-making, emphasizing the importance of relationships and emotions in
decision-making. Its application in healthcare practice has been
revolutionary, leading to better patient outcomes and the development of
meaningful connections between doctors and patients. As professionals in
different fields, it is essential to recognize the importance of EOC and
integrate its principles into our decision-making processes to ensure that
we make ethical decisions that prioritize the well-being of all involved. |
|
|
|
|
