Ethical considerations are integral in successfully executing change projects, including training nurses on new devices, such as IV pumps. In health care, where ethical considerations become increasingly important, ethical principles are the beacons that help sustain technological innovation with integrity, accountability, and respect for patients’ rights. These are not just given features but the stones upon which a solid relationship between healthcare providers and patients is built. The essay will focus on three ethical issues—patient confidentiality, equity in providing care, and informed consent—and discuss how these issues have affected the change project.
Preserving patients’ confidentiality is the central concept in the training of nurses on new IV pump technology. Under the nurse’s training, they deal with vital patient information, such as medication administration and health history. Hence, while implementing the training project, healthcare leaders must adopt strategies for safeguarding patient confidentiality (Tegegne et al.,2022). Strong measures should be taken to avoid patient data leakage due to unauthorized access or cybersecurity breaches. Breaching patient confidentiality may create a lack of trust in the healthcare system. As a result, a few outcomes may be observed, like reluctance to seek medical treatments and sanctions for the organization. As a result, patient confidentiality should be the primary goal during the training period to sustain ethical standards, patient trust, and protection.
The equitable provision of care is one of the significant ethical considerations that must be carefully addressed throughout the implementation of the training program on newly introduced IV pump technology. Healthcare leaders should consider thoroughly the impacts of implementing such technology on the accessibility of care for different patient communities, especially the vulnerable ones. Leaders can minimize the potential negative impact on healthcare disparity by considering the distribution of resources. This would ensure fair and equitable access to safe and effective medication administration (Macquis & Huston, 2021). Ethical leadership consists of fairness promotion and meeting the needs of disprivileged groups, ensuring the principle of justice in the healthcare system. Preventing the widening of current inequalities is another aim of a healthcare system where every patient, regardless of their socio-economic background or circumstances, enjoys equal access to quality care. Equal treatment of patients and care provision is an irreplaceable condition that improves their health status and helps patients be trusted in the healthcare system.
In terms of ethics, obtaining informed consent is vital when introducing any changes, especially those impacting the patient’s direct care, such as nurse training on new IV pump technology. The training must be provided only after advising the patients on the reasons, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and the patients must give their consent voluntarily. Similarly, patients promoted for their treatment on IV infusion pumps should be given a thorough account to enhance their knowledge and help them be informed before the care decision. In order to maintain ethical integrity in the healthcare delivery system, respect for patients’ dignity and their right to choose or decide what is best for them are essential. Informed consent to the care changes that patients give contributes to the retention of autonomy, beneficence, and respect for each other, an important component of trust and effective collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, ethical factors are essential in effectively implementing change projects, such as training nurses on new IV pump technology. Through emphasizing patient confidentiality, ethical provision of care, and obtaining patients’ consent, healthcare leaders demonstrate respect for the ethical principles of patient priority and autonomy. Besides, these factors ensure the authenticity of the implementation process but also make room for partnership and trust between health practitioners and patients. By addressing these issues responsibly, healthcare leaders can lead change and advance patient protection, saving lives and improving health.
References
Macquis B.L, & Huston C.J. (2021). Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing. Google Books. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=38mzZLwcOe0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Chapters+4-6+in+Marquis,+B.L.,+%26+Huston,+C.J.+(2021).+Leadership+roles+and+management+functions+in+nursing:+Theory+and+application.&ots=aMEE2O8MTV&sig=XRDp1VKq27lENUZoNgr_4pcCogc&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Masresha Derese Tegegne, Mequannent Sharew Melaku, Aynadis Worku Shimie, Degefaw Denekew Hunegnaw, Meseret Gashaw Legese, Tewabe Ambaye Ejigu, Nebyu Demeke Mengestie, Wondewossen Zemene, Zeleke, T., & Ashenafi Fentahun Chanie. (2022). Health professionals’ knowledge and attitude towards patient confidentiality and associated factors in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study. BMC Medical Ethics (Online), 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-022-00765-0
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