Advocacy for Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses

by Essays
Words: 275
Pages: 1
Subject: Nursing
Topics: adolescents

Assignment Question

I’m working on a nursing discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn. Describe the nursing values and professional ethics related to the advocacy related to adolescents who suffer from chronic illnesses Why do our nursing values and ethics demand it be on the agenda? Compare the role of law, ethics, or politics on the population identified in the Advocacy Issue: Adolescents who suffer from chronic illnesses Consider which area (law, ethics, or politics) has the most impact on the area.

Answer

Introduction

Nursing Values and Professional Ethics in Advocacy for Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses: Nursing values and professional ethics play a pivotal role in advocating for adolescents suffering from chronic illnesses. The core values of nursing, such as compassion, empathy, and a commitment to patient well-being, underscore the importance of advocating for vulnerable populations like adolescents with chronic illnesses. Nurses are guided by ethical principles like beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. These principles compel nurses to advocate for adolescents’ rights to receive appropriate healthcare, access to resources, and participation in medical decision-making. Nurses act as champions for their patients, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Compassion and Empathy

Nursing values emphasize compassion and empathy as foundational principles in patient care. Adolescents with chronic illnesses often experience emotional distress, fear, and uncertainty about their conditions and treatment plans. Nurses, driven by compassion, provide emotional support, actively listen to their concerns, and offer reassurance. By empathizing with their struggles, nurses create a therapeutic relationship built on trust (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

Patient-Centered Care

Nursing ethics demand patient-centered care, wherein the adolescent’s preferences, values, and goals are respected and incorporated into their care plan (American Nurses Association, 2020). Adolescents have unique needs and preferences, and nurses must ensure that their care plans align with these individualized requirements. This ethical commitment enhances the effectiveness of care and fosters positive health outcomes (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

Autonomy and Informed Decision-Making

Adolescents are in a transitional phase, developing their capacity for autonomy and decision-making. Nursing ethics highlight the importance of respecting adolescent autonomy while also considering their evolving decision-making abilities (American Nurses Association, 2015). Nurses engage in shared decision-making, providing adolescents with age-appropriate information to make informed choices about their care. This ethical practice respects their right to autonomy while ensuring their safety (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

The Impact of Law, Ethics, and Politics on Advocacy for Adolescents with Chronic Illnesses: The advocacy issue of adolescents with chronic illnesses is influenced by various factors, including law, ethics, and politics. Each of these areas has a distinct impact on the population.

  1. Law: Legal frameworks, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States, have significant implications for adolescents with chronic illnesses. The ACA has expanded access to healthcare coverage, preventing insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 2020). This legal protection ensures that adolescents with chronic illnesses have access to necessary medical services. However, the legal landscape can vary between countries, affecting the level of care and support available to this population.
    • Patient Rights and Legal Protections: Adolescents with chronic illnesses have specific legal rights, such as confidentiality in healthcare decisions and the ability to consent to certain treatments, depending on their age and maturity level (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018). Legal protections ensure that their privacy is safeguarded, and they are actively involved in their care decisions.
  2. Ethics: Ethical considerations in the care of adolescents with chronic illnesses involve respecting their autonomy, ensuring informed consent, and upholding their dignity (American Nurses Association, 2020). Ethical guidelines require healthcare providers to engage adolescents in shared decision-making processes, acknowledging their evolving capacity to make medical choices. Respecting the confidentiality of adolescents while involving parents or guardians in their care decisions is another ethical challenge (American Nurses Association, 2020).
    • Bioethics and End-of-Life Care: Ethical discussions are essential in cases where adolescents face life-threatening chronic illnesses. Bioethical principles guide decisions about treatment withdrawal, palliative care, and end-of-life choices, always considering the adolescent’s best interests and values (Gillam & Sullivan, 2021).
  3. Politics: Political factors, including healthcare policies and funding allocations, impact the resources available for adolescents with chronic illnesses. Advocacy efforts often involve lobbying for increased funding for pediatric and adolescent healthcare services. Political decisions can affect the availability of specialized care centers, research funding, and public health initiatives aimed at preventing and managing chronic illnesses in adolescents.
    • Healthcare Funding and Access: Political decisions regarding funding allocation directly affect the availability of resources for adolescents with chronic illnesses. Adequate funding is essential to ensure that these adolescents have access to comprehensive care, specialized treatments, and mental health support (Yates & Goldstein, 2020).

In conclusion, nursing values and professional ethics form the foundation of advocacy for adolescents with chronic illnesses (American Nurses Association, 2020). These values and ethical principles align with the holistic care approach nurses provide. Furthermore, law, ethics, and politics collectively shape the landscape of care and support available to this population, impacting their access to healthcare services and overall well-being (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 2020; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018; Gillam & Sullivan, 2021; Yates & Goldstein, 2020). Nurses, as advocates, must navigate these complex factors to ensure the best possible outcomes for adolescents with chronic illnesses.

References

American Nurses Association. (2020). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Consent by proxy for nonurgent pediatric care. Pediatrics, 138(2), e20161485.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Gillam, L., & Sullivan, J. (2021). Ethics at the end of life: Who should make decisions about treatment limitation for young children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions? Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 47(12), 752–756.

FAQs

  1. What are the core nursing values and professional ethics that guide advocacy for adolescents with chronic illnesses?
    • Answer: Core nursing values include compassion, empathy, patient-centered care, and respect for autonomy. Ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice guide nurses in advocating for adolescents with chronic illnesses.
  2. How do nursing values and ethics influence shared decision-making with adolescents in their healthcare?
    • Answer: Nursing values and ethics emphasize the importance of respecting adolescent autonomy and engaging them in shared decision-making processes. This ensures adolescents are active participants in their care plans.
  3. What legal protections exist for adolescents with chronic illnesses in healthcare settings?
    • Answer: Adolescents have specific legal rights related to confidentiality, consent, and privacy in healthcare decisions. These rights are based on their age and maturity level and vary between jurisdictions.
  4. How do bioethical principles come into play when adolescents with chronic illnesses face end-of-life decisions?
    • Answer: Bioethical principles guide decisions related to treatment withdrawal, palliative care, and end-of-life choices for adolescents with life-threatening chronic illnesses. These principles prioritize the best interests and values of the adolescent.
  5. What role do politics play in advocating for adolescents with chronic illnesses, and how can healthcare funding impact their access to care?
    • Answer: Politics influence funding allocations for pediatric and adolescent healthcare services. Adequate funding is crucial to ensure these adolescents have access to comprehensive care, specialized treatments, and mental health support.