A particularly difficult aspect of the activities of medical specialists is the collision with the death of patients. This circumstance requires a lot of emotional restraint on the part of healthcare providers. Moreover, it implies the observance of certain professional and personal values to provide support not only to the dying but also to their relatives and loved ones. This aspect is particularly concerned with following personal values when caring for dying patients or adhering to professional norms and rules.
The medical field has a certain set of legislation and norms determining the procedure for providing palliative care. However, this aspect is difficult for many nurses and doctors because it is difficult for them to overcome personal beliefs and values. Thus, they apply actions that can contradict the treatment plan and contribute to maintaining the condition of patients on their death bad. Because of this, moral distress arises, which is “a particular form of distressing and demanding feeling that arises when a person is obliged to act contrary to her/his beliefs and values” (Maffoni et al., 2019, p. 245). In this case, medical professionals prefer to follow personal values rather than professional ones.
An alternative position, which is most often held, despite internal debates, is following professional values. Thus, this point of view is based on the concept that “the goals of care are the allowance of suffering, the optimization of the quality of life until death occurs, and the provision of comfort in death” (Akdeniz et al., 2021, p. 2). Therefore, medical professionals’ main task is to provide the most satisfying life for patients and peace of mind for loved ones.
In conclusion, the care and treatment of dying patients imply adherence to certain professional values and norms. However, this aspect of activity causes a dilemma for some specialists who cannot transcend personal principles. This can cause moral and emotional distress, which can affect the quality and effectiveness of palliative care for the patient. To avoid this problem, healthcare providers must be carefully prepared both emotionally and professionally.
References
Akdeniz, M., Yardımcı, B., & Kavukcu, E. (2021). Ethical considerations at the end-of-life care. SAGE Open Medicine, 9, 20503121211000918.
Maffoni, M., Argentero, P., Giorgi, I., Hynes, J., & Giardini, A. (2019). Healthcare professionals’ moral distress in adult palliative care: a systematic review.BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 9(3), 245-254.