“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot is a remarkable nonfiction book that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and used to create the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa. In this gripping and thought-provoking book, Skloot takes readers on a journey to uncover the truth behind Henrietta’s cells, their impact on science and medicine, and the ethical ramifications of their use without her consent. Through Skloot’s exhaustive research and vivid storytelling, we can gain a deeper understanding of the life of Henrietta Lacks and the implications of her cells being taken without her knowledge (Skloot, 2011).
An event in the story that had an impact on me
One event in the book that significantly impacted me was the revelation that Henrietta’s family had never been told that her cells had been taken and used for medical research. Throughout the story, Rebecca Skloot details the struggles of Henrietta’s family to gain access to her medical records and to understand what had happened to her cells. Despite their efforts, the family was able to gain access to the information they sought when Rebecca Skloot began researching the story. It was not until she revealed the truth to the family that they knew what had become of Henrietta’s cells (Skloot, 2011).
This was a heartbreaking moment, as it revealed the injustice done to the Lacks family. It showed how Henrietta’s cells had been taken without her knowledge, that her family had not been told about it, and that they had been excluded from the scientific and medical advances that had been made as a result of her cells (Skloot, 2011). This moment was incredibly impactful because it highlighted the importance of informed consent and the need for an ethical approach to medical research. It also highlighted the need for more excellent communication between researchers, medical professionals, and the families of those affected.
Impacts of Hela research on women’s Health and other medical advances
The impact of HeLa research on women’s Health and other medical advances is profound. HeLa cells were taken from Henrietta Lacks without her consent and have since been used in countless scientific experiments and medical treatments. HeLa cells have been integral in developing treatments for diseases such as polio, cancer, and AIDS.
HeLa research has been significant for women’s Health, as it has allowed researchers to gain crucial insights into women’s unique health risks and issues (Murphy, 2004). By studying HeLa cells, researchers have developed treatments for various conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and preterm labour. HeLa cells have also been used to develop treatments for endometriosis, a condition that affects many women and can cause infertility. HeLa research has also been instrumental in advancing our understanding of reproductive Health, including contraception, fertility, and human development.
A comparison of Henrietta Lacks’s story to other research experiments
This section will compare and contrast the Henrietta Lacks story to other medical/research experiments of the past to better understand the ethical issues surrounding such experiments.
One of the past’s most well-known medical/research experiments is the Tuskegee syphilis study (Murphy, 2004). This study, conducted between 1932 and 1972 by the US Public Health Service, was designed to observe the natural progression of untreated syphilis in 600 African American men. In this study, the men were told that they were receiving free healthcare and treatment when they were not. This study has been heavily criticized because it was conducted without the informed consent of the participants, as well as because of the unethical and dangerous nature of the research.
Another example is the Willowbrook hepatitis study conducted between 1963 and 1966 in Staten Island (Halpern, 2021). In this study, mentally disabled children were intentionally infected with hepatitis to study the virus’s effects. Participants in the study were not informed of the risks associated with the research and were not given a choice as to whether or not they wanted to participate. This study has also been heavily criticized due to the corrupt nature of the research.
Both of these studies and the Henrietta Lacks story have raised important questions about the ethics of conducting medical and research experiments. All three examples involve human subjects in research without their informed consent. In the case of the Henrietta Lacks story, this lack of consent was especially egregious, as her cells were taken without her knowledge and used for various research purposes (Skloot, 2011). Furthermore, using her cells has had a lasting impact on both medicine and science, yet she was never compensated for her contribution.
In comparison to the other two medical/research experiments discussed, the Henrietta Lacks story differs in that the use of her cells has positively impacted medical and scientific research (Skloot, 2011), while the other two experiments have been widely criticized due to their evil nature.
The influence that the discussed researches have on modern medicine/research experiments
The experiences of Henrietta Lacks, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and the Willowbrook Hepatitis Study have significantly influenced modern medicine and research. These stories have raised important questions about the ethical implications of medical and research experiments and have helped shape how we approach such experiments today.
The Henrietta Lacks story has raised awareness about the importance of informed consent and informed consent from potential subjects, as well as ensuring that those subjects are aware of the potential risks and benefits associated with the research. Furthermore, this story has helped to bring attention to the need for more excellent communication between researchers, medical professionals, and the families of those affected (Skloot, 2011).
In addition to raising important questions about the ethics of medical and research experiments, these stories have also helped shape how we approach such experiments today. In response to the ethical issues raised by these stories, many countries have implemented regulations and guidelines governing the conduct of medical and research experiments. In the US, the Department of Health and Human Services has put in place regulations, such as the Common Rule, designed to protect potential subjects’ rights and ensure ethical conduct. Similarly, the World Medical Association has developed the Declaration of Helsinki, which outlines ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects.
Thus, the experiences of Henrietta Lacks, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and the Willowbrook Hepatitis Study have profoundly influenced modern medicine and research. These stories have raised important questions about the ethical implications of medical and research experiments and have helped shape how we approach such experiments today. Through the implementation of regulations and guidelines, we are now able to ensure that medical and research experiments are conducted safely and ethically.
The social determinants of Health
The social determinants of Health are the economic, social, and environmental factors that shape an individual’s Health and well-being (Stewart et al., 2014). These determinants are often referred to as the “social conditions” of Health, and they include factors such as income, education, employment, housing, and access to services. These conditions can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and mental Health, as well as their ability to access health care services.
Income, education, and employment are three of the most important social determinants of Health. Low income and lack of education can lead to poorer health outcomes, as these individuals often lack access to preventive care and other health services. Furthermore, unemployment can lead to increased levels of stress, which can lead to physical and mental health issues.
Housing is also an important social determinant of Health. Poor housing conditions can lead to an increased risk of infection, as well as physical and mental health issues due to overcrowding and lack of access to services (Stewart et al., 2014). Furthermore, housing insecurity and homelessness can lead to greater risk of physical and mental health issues, due to lack of access to services, exposure to environmental hazards, and increased levels of stress.
Access to services is also a key social determinant of Health. Individuals who lack access to health care services, including preventive care, are at increased risk of developing chronic conditions and other health issues (Stewart et al., 2014). Furthermore, lack of access to health care services can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can worsen health outcomes.
The impacts of race on the treatment of Henrietta Lacks( in her lifetime) and her family (after death)
In the case of Henrietta Lacks, her race and socioeconomic status had a direct impact on the treatment she received in her lifetime. As an African American woman in the 1950s, Henrietta was denied access to the same medical care as her white counterparts (Skloot, 2011). She was treated as an experimental subject, and her cells were taken without her knowledge or consent. Furthermore, her race and social status meant that she was unable to access the medical care she needed to treat her cancer, and she was ultimately denied access to the treatments that could have saved her life.
The impact of race and social status on the treatment of Henrietta’s family after her death is also significant. Despite the fact that Henrietta’s cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line and have been used in countless scientific experiments and medical treatments, her family was never told about her cells or compensated for their use. Furthermore, the family was unable to gain access to the information they sought until Rebecca Skloot began researching the story (Skloot, 2011). This is an example of the ways in which race and socioeconomic status can impact the treatment of individuals and their families, even after death.
In addition, the experiences of Henrietta’s family have been used to illustrate the ways in which race and socioeconomic status can impact access to health care. Despite the fact that Henrietta’s cells were used to develop treatments for a variety of diseases, her family was unable to access the health care they needed. This is an example of how race and socioeconomic status can limit access to health care, and it serves to highlight the need for greater access to health care for all individuals, regardless of race or social status.
Roles of the clinical nurse leader
The primary role of the Clinical Nurse Leader is to act as a leader and a coordinator of care (Harris et al., 2016). The CNL is responsible for overseeing the care of patients by leading interdisciplinary teams, coordinating care plans, and monitoring patient outcomes. The CNL is also responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based care plans, as well as for educating and mentoring other healthcare professionals (Harris et al., 2016).
In addition to their leadership and coordination roles, CNLs are also responsible for advocating for the rights of patients. This includes advocating for patient safety, advocating for access to quality care, and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, CNLs are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve patient outcomes, such as developing disease management programs and implementing population health programs (Harris et al., 2016).
Clinical Nurse Leader competences
As a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), I would utilize two key competencies to assist Henrietta Lacks and her family. The first competency I would utilize is my leadership skills. As a CNL, I would be responsible for leading interdisciplinary teams in providing high-quality, cost-effective care. In order to assist Henrietta and her family, I would utilize my leadership skills to coordinate the care of Henrietta, as well as to advocate for her rights and access to quality care (Harris et al., 2016).
The second competency I would utilize is my knowledge of evidence-based practice. As a CNL, I am responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based care plans. In order to assist Henrietta and her family, I would use my knowledge of evidence-based practice to develop a care plan that would address Henrietta’s needs and ensure that she receives the best possible care. I would also use my knowledge of evidence-based practice to develop strategies to improve patient outcomes, such as developing disease management programs and implementing population health programs.
In order to assist Henrietta and her family, I would create a plan to ensure that Henrietta receives the care she needs and that her rights are respected. My plan would include the following steps:
- Develop a comprehensive care plan for Henrietta, utilizing my knowledge of evidence-based practice.
- Advocate for Henrietta’s rights and access to quality care, utilizing my leadership skills.
- Monitor Henrietta’s care and outcomes, utilizing my leadership skills and knowledge of evidence-based practice.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve patient outcomes, utilizing my knowledge of evidence-based practice.
- Educate and mentor other healthcare professionals, utilizing my leadership and knowledge of evidence-based practice.
By utilizing my leadership skills and knowledge of evidence-based practice, I would be able to assist Henrietta and her family in ensuring that she receives the care she needs and that her rights are respected.
Ways in which Henrietta’s will transform my career as a Clinical Nurse Leader
The story of Henrietta Lacks has had a profound impact on my career as a Clinical Nurse Leader. This story has highlighted the importance of informed consent and ethical research practices, and has helped to bring attention to the need for greater communication between researchers, medical professionals, and the families of those affected. The story has also prompted a discussion about the need for greater regulation and oversight of medical and research experiments, and has helped to shape the way we approach such experiments today.
Through Henrietta’s story, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of informed consent and ethical research practices. This knowledge has enabled me to take a more ethical approach to medical and research experiments, and to ensure that potential subjects are fully informed of the risks and benefits associated with the research. I have also been able to gain a greater understanding of the need for greater communication between researchers, medical professionals, and the families of those affected.
Additionally, Henrietta’s story has helped to shape the way I approach medical and research experiments. Through her story, I have been able to gain a better understanding of the need for greater regulation and oversight of such experiments, as well as the importance of ensuring that medical and research experiments are conducted in a safe Manner.
In conclusion, the story of Henrietta Lacks has had a significant impact on my career as a Clinical Nurse Leader. Through her story, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of informed consent and ethical research practices, and the need for greater communication between researchers, medical professionals, and the families of those affected. Additionally, I have been able to gain a greater understanding of the need for greater regulation and oversight of medical and research experiments, and the importance of ensuring that they are conducted in a safe and ethical manner.
References
Halpern, S. A. (2021). Dangerous Medicine: The Story behind Human Experiments with Hepatitis. In Google Books. Yale University Press. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=EK9FEAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=willowbrook+hepatitis+study&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj31qCWgN77AhUGTBoKHUCbATsQ6AF6BAgKEAM
Harris, J. L., Roussel, L., & Thomas, P. L. (2016). Initiating and Sustaining the Clinical Nurse Leader Role. In Google Books. Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=qK_GDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA118&dq=Roles+of+a+Clinical+Nurse+Leader+in+US&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjp6eq_gN77AhUxy4UKHfWcAC0Q6AF6BAgHEAM
Murphy, T. F. (2004). Case Studies in Biomedical Research Ethics. In Google Books. MIT Press. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=mjZtLuxfDTQC&pg=PA149&dq=willowbrook+hepatitis+study&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj31qCWgN77AhUGTBoKHUCbATsQ6AF6BAgGEAM
Skloot, R. (2011). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. In Google Books. Broadway Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=YktnNAEACAAJ&dq=the+immortal+life+of+henrietta+lacks&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiD6KLM_937AhXawoUKHXiWAnYQ6AF6BAgCEAM
Stewart, R. W., Hardcastle, V. G., & Zelinsky, A. (2014). Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, and Health Insurance. World Medical & Health Policy, 6(4), 483–492. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.113
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