Working Draft: Healthcare Policy and Ethics
Introduction Section (to be filled in later)
Research Question or Thesis:
The aim of this paper is to critically analyze the ethical implications of end-of-life management in healthcare and to propose policy recommendations that promote patient autonomy and wellbeing.
Definitions of 3-4 Critical Terms:
1. End-of-life: In the context of this paper, “end-of-life” refers to the period when a person is nearing death, either due to a terminal illness, advanced age, or irreversible medical condition. It encompasses the range of medical, psychological, and social issues that arise during this stage, such as decision-making about treatment options, pain management, and ensuring a comfortable and dignified death.
2. Ethical implications: Ethical implications pertain to the moral consequences and considerations that arise from actions or decisions relating to end-of-life management. This includes the principles and values underlying healthcare practices, such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, as well as the potential conflicts and dilemmas that may arise when balancing these principles in the context of end-of-life care.
3. Patient autonomy: Patient autonomy refers to an individual’s right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare, based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. In the context of end-of-life management, respecting patient autonomy means involving patients in decision-making processes, providing them with accurate information about treatment options and prognosis, and honoring their wishes regarding the extent of medical intervention and comfort care.
4. Policy recommendations: Policy recommendations are proposals for changes or improvements in the existing healthcare policies and practices related to end-of-life management. These recommendations aim to address ethical concerns, improve the quality of care provided, and ensure that patients’ rights and values are respected. Policy recommendations may encompass aspects such as advance care planning, palliative care services, access to pain management and hospice care, and legal frameworks for end-of-life decision-making.
Body Paragraphs (several sections and topics which will address your thesis/question to be filled in later)
Conclusion (to be filled in later)
Reference List:
1. Beauchamp TL, Childress JF. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. 7th ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2013.
2. Emanuel EJ, Emanuel LL. The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine. 5th ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2015.
3. National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care. 4th ed. Richmond, VA: National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care; 2018.
4. Sulmasy DP. Ethical Issues in Palliative Care. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2014.
(Note: This reference list is not exhaustive and will be further expanded as the research progresses.)
In this assignment, a working draft of a research paper on healthcare policy and ethics is being prepared. The research question or thesis of the paper is specified as the critical analysis of the ethical implications of end-of-life management and proposing policy recommendations for promoting patient autonomy and wellbeing. The critical terms related to the topic are defined, including end-of-life, ethical implications, patient autonomy, and policy recommendations. The reference list is also provided, with additional resources to be added later.
The importance of defining the terms used in the paper, such as end-of-life, is highlighted. This allows for clear communication with the reader and ensures a common understanding of key concepts. By defining critical terms, the researcher can avoid ambiguity and potential misconceptions that could arise from different interpretations of language.
Furthermore, the necessity of maintaining a reference list throughout the research process is emphasized. The list serves as a record of sources to be used in the paper, helping the researcher stay focused and organized. As new resources are discovered, the reference list can be expanded and revised to include the most relevant and credible sources.
The working draft of the research paper consists of an introduction section, the research question or thesis, definitions of critical terms, body paragraphs (to be filled in later), conclusion (to be filled in later), and the reference list. The draft will be submitted to the professor for approval and will serve as a foundation for further development of the paper.
In conclusion, this assignment aims to create a working draft of a research paper on healthcare policy and ethics. The draft includes the research question or thesis, definitions of critical terms, and a reference list. These components provide a clear and structured framework for the subsequent development of the paper.
