Paternalism Case Summary

Ethical issue

The ethical issues that surround the case study is paternalistic behavior shown by the medical staff in putting pressure to the patient’s family member to donate blood. Paternalism definition was developed by Gerald Dworkin and consist of three major features: it involves an interference of the autonomy of the person subjected to the paternalism; the omission is done without the consent from the person interfered with; and the interference is done in order to benefit the person interfered with.22 These three qualities of paternalism are clearly shown by the medical staff in the case study.
First, the medical staff ignores the autonomy of the patient’s family in making decision for not donating blood for the child. Autonomy,

Therefore a discussion should be held between these two parties. In order to explain to the family member about the disease and treatment, medical staff should have good communication skills so that the intended information can be delivered effectively to the family member. Studies show that the patient health outcome can be enhanced with good physician-patient communication.28
Effective communication employs a positive influence towards patient’s emotional health, functional, symptoms resolution and pain control.28 Physician should cover a wide range of question while taking a history, including the patient’s feeling and their concern.29 In this case, medical staff should encourage family members to ask questions and participate in the decision-making about the patient management plan.28 By doing this, family members will feel themselves to be important and appreciated.29 Therefore, may influence the family members to be more likely to agree with the blood donation and treatment

Effective communication is essential in making a correct diagnosis, developing rapport and trust and determining proper treatment and achieving best clinical outcomes for the patient.31 Good communication skills also can avoid any misunderstanding between medical staff, patients and family members. The medical staff in the case study should discuss about the patient’s condition and treatment plan with the patient’s family. It is important for health professional to share decision making with the patient and their family members so that they will feel more appreciated, and ensure their satisfaction towards health care facilities. In making clinical decision, it is fundamental to take consideration of different factors such as patient’s culture and backgrounds. Each decision-making should be based on ethical consideration and taking into account the four principles of medical ethics, which are autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Yet, to integrate these 4 pillars in a decision-making is a complex proses that requires consideration of various aspects and