Ethics in Health Management

Health practitioners and health managers hold the significant responsibility of caring for patients. Ethics in health management is a highly discussed subject. Treatment consent, patient privacy and allocation of health resources are just some of the topics that deserve attention in this discussion.

Overview

Each health institution typically has a code of ethics to which all practitioners must adhere. When people visit the hospital or doctor, they expect to be treated with respect, dignity and professional care.

Patient Consent

Health care institutions must follow specific rules in regard to protecting patients. For example, people have a right over decisions related to their bodies and well-being. If a patient is unconscious and serious medical intervention must occur to restore his health, medical practitioners typically have set guidelines to follow. Consent forms must be signed by patients to grant permission for treatment. If the patient is not conscious, decisions are generally made by close relatives. 

Confidentiality

Ethics in health management also dictates that patient health information must be kept confidential. Unless a patient releases that information, it may not be shared with even the closest relatives. This is to protect the patient from potential damages to his livelihood, reputation or other life aspects.

End of Life

Health practitioners also come in contact with dilemmas related to end of life decisions. With an oath to do no harm and always protect the health of patients, decisions related to taking patients off of life support systems present ethical challenges, and generally require the consent of close relatives.