Autonomy
Autonomy as used in the field of medical ethics is a principle that gives due attention to the rights of persons that lead to self-determination. The code falls within the precincts of medical ethics whose system entails practical application of values that lead to sound judgment in the field of medicine. The standards of autonomy, which are entrenched in the society, appreciate people’s ability to make personal decisions, which satisfy their conscience. Value is placed on the patients as opposed to the health practitioners. In the entire healthcare system, autonomy functions as a gauge for various issues that include the well-being of the medical professionals, the health profession, and the patients. Autonomy attempts to strike equilibrium within the health profession so that all the stakeholders realize the real meaning of ethics.
The aim of the principle behind autonomy seeks to gauge the effectiveness of personal health, the ethical gains the profession derives, and the medical advancement from the other professions such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, and psychiatry. The relevance of autonomy goes far and beyond where the both psychologists and psychiatrists are involved in the determination of whether the patients can make decisions on their lives if faced with life-threatening illnesses (Branch 1977). Autonomy takes a different dimension in ht circumstances that the patient in question mental challenges. The evaluators in this perspective turn to protectors of rights in the cases such patients deliberately refuse to take medication. Such decisions would be taken to mean an option for early death. Particular situations arise when there is a clash between autonomy and recommendations from the health practitioners that seem to benefit the patient. Though there are various ways through which such conflicts are resolved, the benefits to the patient are considered above autonomy.
Ethical duties and integrated medicine
Integrated medicine operates under two other names i.e. alternative medicine and complementary medicine. The scope of integrated medicine covers a wide continuum that encompasses fully professionalized systems. It is charged with the responsibility running the institutions of health education in a manner that is in tandem with the ethical codes of practice. In between the continuum ends, there are methods that are not very systematic (Whorton 1998). The furthest end carries the medical quacks that operate in what could be termed as black market. They are non-professional and not licensed. Several ethical issues relate to integrated medicine. There is increased pressure to complement the mainstream medication to incorporate what was traditionally referred to as allopathic medicine.
Boomers
Concerns have been raised over the issues that face the medical profession over boomers especially in the current century. Such issues include the costs that are on the rise and the ever-increasing population to be taken care of. These issues relate to both the baby boomers and the care for the old age. The long-term care for the persons with disability poses the greatest challenge for the medical professionals and the society. The funds, population estimates, and the personnel that should be used need prior planning which is another challenge. Ethical challenges have been on the increase mostly regarding terminally ill patients. Debate is about the defiance by patients to take medication opting for early death. The debate also covers the effectiveness of the delivery of health services. Issues in this case cover the allocation of resources to health institutions and departments.
References:
Branch, G. (1977). Understanding the Health needs among the Boomers. Massachusetts: University Press.
Whorton, J. (1998). Integrated Medicine. Washington: University of Washington press.