Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare: Patient in Poverty

Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare: A Case Study of a Patient in Poverty
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April 17, 2023
Understanding how to make a systematic and logical decision in an ethical dilemma is essential for any healthcare professional. This is because, in healthcare, practitioners often face ethical dilemmas that challenge their values, principles, and decision-making abilities. Accordingly, this essay will explore a scenario where a healthcare worker, Dr. Smith, is confronted with an ethical problem involving a patient in poverty, Maria. Initially, the author would provide a summary of Maria's condition and status in life. The following sections will examine potential ethical solutions using care-based and rights ethics, assess their feasibility and persuasiveness, and explore the role of healthcare and social technologies in addressing such ethical dilemmas.
Scenario and Ethical Solutions
Maria, a 36-year-old single mother of two, lives in a low-income neighborhood and works two part-time jobs to make ends meet. Despite her best efforts, Maria struggles to provide for her family and cannot afford health insurance. Recently, she has been experiencing persistent headaches and dizziness, affecting her daily life and job performance.
After weeks of enduring these symptoms, Maria decides to visit Dr. Smith, a general practitioner who runs a small clinic in her neighborhood. Dr. Smith, known for her dedication to serving the community, listens attentively to Maria's concerns. During the consultation, Maria also mentioned episodes of blurred vision and occasional numbness in her hands.
Recognizing the potential seriousness of these symptoms, Dr. Smith suspects that Maria may suffer from a neurological condition requiring further diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or CT scan. However, she is aware of Maria's precarious financial situation and lack of health insurance, making it nearly impossible to afford these expensive tests and the necessary medications.
In addition to her health concerns, Maria faces other challenges related to her low-income status. She has limited access to transportation, making it difficult for her to attend medical appointments. Furthermore, Maria's busy work schedule and responsibilities as a single mother leave her with little time for self-care and healthcare management.
This complex scenario presents ethical challenges for Dr. Smith, who must find a way to provide quality care for Maria while navigating the financial constraints and practical limitations she faces. Dr. Smith must grapple with the ethical dilemma of prioritizing Maria's immediate health needs or considering the broader implications of her financial situation, all while adhering to professional and moral standards.
Ethical Solution
In Maria's case, healthcare technologies such as telemedicine and electronic health records (EHRs) play a crucial role. Telemedicine can offer Maria remote access to medical appointments, effectively reducing transportation barriers and accommodating her time constraints. In one Atmojo et al. (2020) study, the authors noted that telemedicine could significantly reduce costs and increase patient access to healthcare. On the other hand, EHRs can ensure seaml...