Ethical Decision Making

Ethics in healthcare are essential since professionals must recognize medical dilemmas and make appropriate judgments and decisions pegged on values while upholding the principles of the laws that govern them.  Health care professionals acknowledge that though acting ethically is right, it is not always easy. It involves choosing to make decisions that might seem controversial but uphold respect for autonomy, privacy, confidentiality, and the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Health care professionals operating in a hospital setting play an invaluable role when providing care services to clinical patients, particularly concerning decision-making. Therefore, these professionals must know and be morally sensitive to handle conflicts occurring in daily practice rationally.  Ethical issues arise when different parties must make choices that reflect unclear answers and less ideal options. For instance, some decisions could lead to declines in patient safety and quality of care.