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Poem Explication Essay- Crocuses by Ruth Fainlight
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Poem Explication Essay- Crocuses by Ruth Fainlight
The poem titled Crocuses was authored by Ruth Fainlight, a New York immigrant to Britain. Relocating to Britain in 1944, Fainlight learned art in colleges in Brighton and Birmingham before settling in London. Fainlight has written numerous dramas, short stories, and liberties among them the Crocuses. Additionally, she has also translated numerous works of other writers, with her works frequently addressing the issues of feminism, the Holocaust and Jewish identities. In her poem, Fain talks in detail about the crocuses that are newly grown and are slowly emerging from the muddy ground in spring. The poem takes a new direction when the narrator begins to compare the color of the newly grown crocuses with the color of bruises that the abused and naked men and women had as they were being rounded to be transported to a horrible place. This essay analyses Ruth Fainlight’s poem titled Crocuses in its entirety.
The first three lines in Fainlight’s poem positively paint a picture of structures to do with the pond, forest, and the meadow area. The author also provides a vivid description of crocuses. It is evident from the author’s choice of words in that there is a form of struggle at play. The narrator uses carefully selected words such as pale to paint a picture of something unpleased that is going on. The narrator also mentions that bruises paint a picture of pain, struggle, and sadness for the crocuses. The narrator speaks in third person and it is almost as if she can barely see the minds of the population. The main speaker in this poem is a woman in her early or middle adulthood. One of the values that the speaker demonstrates is empathy. This is viewed in how she compares the crocuses to the cuts found on the bodies of the men and women.
While the scenes painted by the speaker in the first three lines paint a picture of calmness, this quickly changes into a bizarre and graphic scene as the narrator begins to paint a picture of people writhing in pain with their naked bodies covered in cuts as they are hulled into the forest for executed. Readers can feel that the acts do not sit right with the speaker as she is also against such actions. Despite the first three lines painting a positive picture of calmness, the same mood hardly dominates the rest of the poem. The narrator talks about innocent people being inflicted with pain and possibly being killed. This is emphasized in the narrator’s choice of works towards the end, where she talks of people crying for help.
The two lines making up the last stanza come off as effective and powerful. This is evidenced in the speaker’s choice of words to incorporate syntax. Worth noting, the speaker used the word ‘and’ repetitively in a bid to emphasize the poem’s main message. The speaker uses the words, ‘final screams and prayers and moans,’ to lay emphasis on the emotion of the men and women who are at the brink of being executed. It is almost as if the author wanted the reader to remember pain and fear as the main emotion that dominated the poem, which explains why he placed them at the end.
In closing, in her poem, Fainlight talks in detail about the crocuses that are newly grown which are slowly emerging from the muddy ground in spring. The poem takes new shift when the narrator begins to compare the color of the newly grown crocuses with the color of bruises belonging to men and women that have been abused. The poem which has been written is third poem starts with a calm emotion but ends up with sad emotion.
establish whether or not transition towns are a solution to lowering carbon emission for the future.
Establish whether or not transition tows are a solution to lowering carbon emission for the future
Table of Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329701” Acknowledgement PAGEREF _Toc289329701 h 2
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329702” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc289329702 h 5
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329704” Research Objectives PAGEREF _Toc289329704 h 6
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329705” Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc289329705 h 7
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329706” Transition Town Movements in U.K PAGEREF _Toc289329706 h 7
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329707” Issues surrounding lowering carbon emissions PAGEREF _Toc289329707 h 8
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329708” Approaches towards lowering carbon emissions PAGEREF _Toc289329708 h 9
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329709” Low carbon innovation PAGEREF _Toc289329709 h 9
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329710” Bottom-up Approach PAGEREF _Toc289329710 h 9
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329711” Social innovation PAGEREF _Toc289329711 h 9
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329712” Methodology PAGEREF _Toc289329712 h 11
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329713” The Use of Case Studies PAGEREF _Toc289329713 h 12
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329714” Transition Town Totness PAGEREF _Toc289329714 h 12
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329718” Initiatives towards reduction of carbon Emissions PAGEREF _Toc289329718 h 13
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329723” Transition Town Lewes PAGEREF _Toc289329723 h 14
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329724” Initiatives towards reduction of carbon Emissions PAGEREF _Toc289329724 h 15
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329726” Transition Town Alnes PAGEREF _Toc289329726 h 15
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329728” Initiatives towards reduction of carbon Emissions PAGEREF _Toc289329728 h 16
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329730” Case study Analysis PAGEREF _Toc289329730 h 16
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329731” The Towns Strengths and weaknesses in the reduction of Carbon Emissions PAGEREF _Toc289329731 h 16
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329733” Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc289329733 h 18
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329734” A statement on carbon emission should be made by the town officials PAGEREF _Toc289329734 h 18
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329735” Set task force to establish vulnerabilities within the towns PAGEREF _Toc289329735 h 18
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329736” Setting achievable targets for a reduction in the towns’ fossil fuels consumption PAGEREF _Toc289329736 h 18
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329737” Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc289329737 h 19
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329739” Appendix PAGEREF _Toc289329739 h 19
HYPERLINK l “_Toc289329740” References PAGEREF _Toc289329740 h 20
IntroductionA combination of two global issues, climate change and peak oil gave birth to the transition movement known as the transition town initiatives, a community-led response towards the twofold pressures of fossil fuel depletion and climate change. Transition towns therefore reflect communities increasing awareness of the fears associated with climate change and peak oil, and assuming practical steps towards a post industrial future (Oakvillegreen, 2010) .The main objective of the transition movement was to mobilize community action and promote public empowerment and engagement around issues related to climate change, with the aim of catalyzing a transition to a low carbon economy (Transition Town Totnes, 2011.).
The Transition Town Idea was developed by Rob Hopkins (permaculture teacher) in 2005 in Kinsale, Eire. Hopkins had concerns about the implications of “Peak Oil”, that is, the point at which the rate of growth of oil production process begins to decline. This resulted in the development of an Energy Descent Action plan which outlined practical steps which could be taken by Kansale in preparation for the post-cheap oil period. The plan proposed a transition to more sustainable systems and infrastructure in adapting to the new changes. This eventually transformed into a network of rapidly growing grassroots transition initiative not only in the UK but also in the international stage, and has evolved as an important tool for addressing the twin challenge of climate change (with the need to reduce carbon emission) and Peak Oil(Seyfang, 2009).Transition Movement has become very successful at replication of its model of community- led initiatives in various parts of the world (Hopkins, 2010). In addition, Transition Network Ltd was then formally constituted and charged with supporting and coordinating activities among the local groups (Hopkins and Lipman, 2009). However, despite the phenomenon growth in publicity to such an initiative, there has been very little research into the nature, development of such initiatives and their areas of failure and success. This research is therefore vital for guiding any future development by evaluating whether or not transitions towns are sustainable solutions for lowering carbon emissions for the future. Research Objectives
Need an Overall aim
1. To analyse existing transition towns within the UK in order to understand the current progress and the future implications of transition towns
2. To compare the three transition towns in order to identify factors influencing the success of these towns in promoting low carbon futures.
3. Investigate into whether or not transitions towns are sustainable solutions for lowering carbon emissions for the future
4. Provide recommendation of improvements of transition towns in the future
The research objectives will build the foundation of the dissertation. Each objective will play a vital role in the analysis of the sustainability of transition towns within the UK. Objective 1 will examine the current progress and current debates in regards to transition town theory. Objective 2 will play an important role in measuring success in current transition towns. Three case studies of three transitions will be used. Objective 3 will illustrate the realities behind transition towns and critically analyze whether or not these towns are sustainable for communities in non-transition towns. Finally, the final objective will provide recommendations.
Literature ReviewTransition Town Movements in U.KAccording to Squidoo (2010), the transition town movement is strongly rooted on the idea that individuals taking action within their communities, not only to deal with environmental threats but also, in the course of doing so, lead lives that are more satisfying. It is therefore more about optimism in an otherwise desolate seeming future, bearing in mind that the world is vastly complicated and the efforts to bring change may possibly boost transition towns for their constructive contribution (Chamberlin, 2007).In particular, it is all about the power of a different vision of how a society could be and not relying on the government or the politicians to have it right (Williams, 2008).
Totnes became the first UK transition town in 2006 and by February 2009 there were about 100 transition town, cities, villages and islands in the UK alone. Initially the objective of the transition towns was to create awareness of peak oil. On the other hand, Vander Ven (2010) highlights that the objectives of the transition towns have expanded and now covers a range of various issues that are wide-ranging. The issues cover economic, environmental, social as well as personal system. In a number of ways, the transition town movement symbolizes a rebadging and revitalizing of the past community-based campaigns as well as activities covering local environmental action, life quality and social inclusion. In this case, the transition town initiative is viewed as a new social movement that capitalizes on the need for a sense of belonging, purpose, identity as well as solidarity, that a number of people feel when encountered with the enormity of present environmental as well as social problems (Trainer 2010).
Issues surrounding lowering carbon emissionsAll human kind practices depend closely on access to energy resources. This means primarily a reliance on fossil fuels consumption (Loorbach 2010).This has in turn led to the emission of carbons to a level that is currently acknowledged as unsustainable. Peters (2010) highlights that shifting these patterns and weaning ourselves from carbon reliance, needs more than just a technological tasks hence the ideas such as the transition towns. It requires therefore that the society untangle the various provision structures and create new, more sustainable practices.
According to MacKay, (2010)the basic reasons for the reduction of carbon emissions is based on the analogy that humankind has an addiction to fossil fuels despite the fact that it is not sustainable. The developed world for instance, obtains 80 per cent of its energy from fossil fuels. And this is not sustainable in three ways. First, fossil fuels when easily accessed will in the near future run out, as a result forcing people to looking for other alternative energy sources elsewhere.Second, the burning of fossils fuels is without a doubt, having a dangerous impact on the climate. Evading dangerous climate change prompts an instantaneous change from our present utilization of fossil fuels.Third, even if people are not concerned about climate change, a drastic reduction in the consumption of fossil fuel would be a wise move if people are to care about the security of supply.
Approaches towards lowering carbon emissionsHorst (2008) highlights that transition towns revolve mainly around new social practices, behaviours and institutions. Technology may therefore only have a second role. Some of the approaches towards lowering carbon emissions include:
Low carbon innovationThis refers to an innovation that plays a role in reducing carbon emissions from human activities. The initiative is defined according to the objective behind the innovation or by the outcome.However, the two, do not need to correspond: well-intended ideas may not certainly fail to deliver and considerable carbon emissions reductions may be the result of attaining other objectives (Baker 2009).
Bottom-up ApproachBottom-up innovation is generated by individual citizens or community groups rather than the government, business or industries. It therefore relates to the locus of innovation. This can also be related to the concept of user-led. Horst (2008) indicates that users can also make significant improvements to innovations at the diffusion stage by providing various feedbacks to manufacturers or by re-inventing the innovations for their respective purposes and use.
Social innovationMulgan (2006) describes social innovation as those innovative activities as well as services that are stimulated by an objective of attaining a social need. Mulgan (2008) highlights further that drivers of social innovation are founded on dissatisfaction or an apparent need. Social innovation is therefore a new solution to various social problems that are more effective, sustainable or even better than the existing solutions and for which the value obtained accumulates to the society in general rather than individuals. According to Mulgan (2008), they contend that social innovation is the most suitable concept to identify with as well as produce a long-lasting social change. The term can also be used to imply the creation as well as the implementation of new ideas regarding how various individuals ought to organize interpersonal activities or social interactions in order to accomplish one or more goals. This may involve coming up with new social institutions such as the transition towns(Parrish 2008).
In summary, social innovation can be related to the focus, motivation and the impact of motivation; bottom up can be linked to the locus of the innovation while low carbon can be linked to the motivation as well as the impact of the innovation. Low carbon can therefore refer to a particular social need or issue that the innovation is addressing. Climate change is a social as well as an environmental problem.
This concept of low carbon, bottom-up social innovation can be summed up as shown in fig 1.
Please create a chart headed Social innocation | Bottom-up innovation | Low C Innocation
and compare the 3 case studies and put a cross in each section it applies to the case study. Analysis please
Fig 1
Methodology
The study has considered a number of data collection method that could be used in this research process with due regard to the objectives of the research, source of information targeted and nature of the process at hand. Based on the nature and objectives of the study and the existing available sources of information relating to such topic or subject, a case study of selected transition towns has been chosen as the approach to use in undertaking this study. However in doing such selection, the pros and cons of all other possible methods have been used as the informants or guiding principles of such selection.
On that basis, the study has considered other possible methods such as documentary analysis, interviews, surveys and questionnaires use. In undertaking this study, use of interviews despite having the advantage of allowing room for more probing and asking of questions would require more time and resources to undertake which may not be feasible under the circumstances of this study. The use of questionnaire on the other hand has been viewed some times to be less accurate in its population representation since in many instances some respondents normally fail to return the filled questionnaire making the research to be biased against the and bringing to doubt the accuracy of the data (Introduction to Research Methods 2005). Therefore, the study has opted for a case study, since it allows for collection of information from a wide range of sources and the collected information can then be analyzed with easy using a multi dimensional point of view on a given program or subject.
The Use of Case StudiesCase studies may be particularly useful in illustrating a holistic portrayal of an individuals or groups experience and result relating to a given program, event or activity. In this study, the research seeks to take a deep study and assessment of selected transition town with emphasis to their current activities, achievements, challenges and perceived similarities and differences. The results of this study are therefore founded on a holistic and multi dimensional approach leading to a more informed conclusion which may be useful in future decision making.
Transition Town TotnessTransition town Totnes has been fronted as a dynamic, community led initiatives that is strengthening the local community economy, reducing the cost of living and planning for a future with less and changing climate. According to the Transition Town Totness Website (2011), the project as sparked a global movement that occupies a surprising limelight as one of the most-watched community project about transition movement. The initiative recognizes that the era of economic uncertainty, rising fuel prices, and climate change bring many challenges to the world (Transition Totness, 2010).
The transition town has brought an estimated 122, 000 pounds to the local economy and over 300 people have visited the town to undertaken transition training. Totnes transition town has also managed to raise funding for 74 Solar panels located on Civic Hall set to generate about 13,000KWh (which is a third of its demand leading to saving of over 5,500 pounds on the part of the council).Other initiatives by the town include provision of hybrid food to the community, organizing workshops on renewable energy, development of new transition towns there are now 59 “Transition Together’ groups in and around Totnes town, In addition, Transition tours, which are structured tours designed for people who are interested in visiting the town so as to learn about transition has so far had an impact of 52, 166 pounds. The work of TTT has served to inspire an international network of transition initiative and promoted its partnership with over 25 organizations. TTT has also organized the creation of Energy Descent plan engaging over 800 local people, gave talks to 35 local organizations, held 27 public meetings, taught 50 people how to garden through their basing gardening course while 500 people attended their Energy fair in the year 2010 (Transition Totness, 2010).Initiatives towards reduction of carbon Emissions
One of the broad aims of Transition town Totness is the reduction of carbon emissions and the dependence on fossil fuels. Various initiatives have been undertake towards this particular objectives. One of the actions taken was the formulation of groups that work towards reducing carbon emissions .The groups targeted reducing their carbon emission by 1.2 tones resulting in a saving of 601 pounds per year for each group. Another carbon reduction strategy adopted in Transition Totness the adoption of the NHS carbon reduction strategy .The NHS project was grounded on taking liability in acting to solve the problem of climate change. The initiative has been useful in showing were Carbon emissions originate from as a results actions are proposed on how to reduce the carbon footprints (Transition Totness, 2010)Carbon Reduction and Health Conference was also held in Totnes various expert opinions were taken that are profitable in reducing carbon emissions in day to day activities.Totness also works in partnership with organizations such as HYPERLINK “http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/” o “carbontrust” t “_blank” The Carbon Trust a non- profit organization that gives specialist assistance to the public sector and business in saving energy , reducing carbon emissions and the utilization of low carbon technologies. The company offers a 10 month program on carbon management where business and the local community can develop a unified strategy to reduce emissions in their day to day activities. The Carbon trust has worked with Totness local authority and the community. The latest reports from the Carbon Reduction and Health Conference highlighted that the program has the annual rate of Co2 reduction by 4,100 tonnes saving about £450,000 pounds per year (Transition Totness, 2010)Transition Town LewesTTL, as one of the members of the transition community in the international Transition network, is working on a blueprint to promote living without reliance on oil (Transition Town Lewes, 2011).TLL is guided by the core principles of team work, shared responsibility, accountability towards keeping to the principles and objectives of the group, transparency at work, and openness to diverse opinions and view it as their inner source of strength.
Furthermore, TTL is organized into groups which are formed when need arises and dissolved as soon as the problem at hand has been solved. TTL is surrounded on the believe that the key to the solution of the massive problems of climate change and oil peak issues is localization of every thing essential to human life such as food, water, transport ,energy, ,money supply and waste management (Campbell, 2011).
Initiatives towards reduction of carbon Emissions
Town Lewes has initiatives such as the ‘’300 Years of FOSSIL FUELS in 300’’ which started by the Town Lewes’s Carbon Institute Transition. The project involves a network of Lewis community who work together on local solutions for the reduction of carbon emissions (Transition Town Lewes website). Energy houses have also been constructed to assist people in saving money, saving their environment while at the same time reducing carbon footprints. About 250 people visit the 13 open houses every weekend.
Town Lewes also devised the 10:10 pledge which is a pledge to cut carbon emissions by 10% in the year 2010.Each group in the community has to sign up for the initiative and then get started.
Transition Town AlnesAlnes Transition town , started back in December 2007 when a number of local residents and business people got together to have a discussion about ways they could cut down on energy consumption and their reliance on fossil fuels, waste reduction and buck viable local food production (Transitional Town Alness Website,2010).Alness Transition Town Group is a network of Local people united and working together in building a low carbon more sustainable community for the future. It is of the view that with the looming threats of climate change coupled with peak oil, foundering economic system and widespread food crisis, it is clear that there is need to make changes in the way people live their lives in the future (Chris, 2008).
Initiatives towards reduction of carbon Emissions
The town had energy advisers who are usually very much available and visit people in their houses .The main role of the advisers is to provide advice on strategies of saving money through the reduction of carbon emissions.
The town also has developed a Post carbon organization which is an action group that brings people together in order for them to work towards a sustainable transition which entails a world without fossil fuels (Transitional Town Alness 2010).Case study Analysis
The Towns Strengths and weaknesses in the reduction of Carbon Emissions From the case studies presented above, what is evident is that transitional towns are actually useful social movements that have facilitated various positive initiatives, reduction carbon emissions being one of the essential projects. There is a lot of strive within the transition towns towards formulating a sustainable environment where less carbon is emitted. These strive and commitment is actually one of the similarities of the three transitions towns (Totnes, Lewes, and Alnes). As highlighted by the case scenario of each of the transition towns, each one of them has a variety of initiatives for the basic objective of reduction of carbon emissions.
It can therefore be argued based on the findings of the case studies that transition town movements have actually to a great extent been effective in the reduction of carbon emissions. For instance as highlighted by the latest reports from the Carbon Reduction and Health Conference, the program has the annual rate of Co2 reduction by 4,100 tonnes saving about £450,000 pounds per year.The basic challenge of carbon reduction within the all the these transition towns which also forms their weakness is that as HYPERLINK “http://www.postcarbon.org/person/36194-daniel-lerch” Daniel Lerchone one of the coordinators of the program puts it, there are no real solutions ,in addition no real responses available for the problem. HYPERLINK “http://www.postcarbon.org/person/36194-daniel-lerch” Lerchone argues that society is complex and systems that are interdependent are squeezed by the declining and growing demand of resources .As a result renewable energy will never effectively substitute fossil fuel. As a result managing sustainability in the reduction of carbon emissions in the 21st century is still a crisis even with the existence of transition towns (Transitional Town Alness , 2010).
RecommendationsThe recommendations given below are meant for the successful realization of the resolutions provided based on the secondary research carried out. These include:
A statement on carbon emission should be made by the town officialsThe respective towns should adopt an official stand regarding carbon emission by directly addressing this issue of carbon. Providing an official statement provides a sense of direction, authority and a drive to what would have otherwise been an unfocused as well as a controversial policy making process (Rotmans etal 2006).
Set task force to establish vulnerabilities within the townsA carbon emission task force ought to be established to probe the way in which the communities are reliant on fossil fuels. Once the respective town councils have carried out investigations of their reliance on fossil fuel, they can afterwards start making plans for their “energy descent”.
Setting achievable targets for a reduction in the towns’ fossil fuels consumptionSetting targets will enable the respective town councils have a goal to work towards and this means they will be dealing with carbon emissions from the grassroots level (Seyfang 2006)
ConclusionThis study, provides a snapshot of the UK Low carbon planning, through some selected transition town, and has discovered a great deal about these trends in terms of origin , characteristic, main objectives, similarities and differences and achievements and failures of selected transition towns in the UK. The findings indicate that transition models seem to offer new groups and towns an opportunity to learn speedily from others’ experiences, and the Networks are acting proactively in developing best practices, idea-sharing, training and publication in order to give additional support to these groups. The research reveals that establishing transition groups, maintaining their momentum and managing the dynamics is an essential issue in the reduction of carbon emissions, in despite of existing challenges.
AppendixTransition town initiative
Low carbon reduction initiatives
Contributions of transitions towns
Transition town Totnes,
Transition town Lewes
Transition town Alnes
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Chamberlin, S, 2011, The Transition Timeline, for a Local Resilient Future
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Horst, D.v.d., 2008. Social Enterprise and renewable energy: emerging initiatives and communities of practice. Social Enterprise Journal 4, 171-185.
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Hopkins, R & Lipman, P, 2009, Who We Are And What We Do (Transition Network Ltd, Totnes).
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MacKay, D, 2010, Carbon Reduction: The Reason for Reducing Carbon Emissions
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Applying Ethical Principles
Applying Ethical Principles
Raquel Genaro
Capella University
NHS4000: Developing a Health Care Perspective
Jessica McCarthyNovember 2021
Applying Ethical Principles
Individuals within the healthcare profession often face ethical dilemmas within
their daily practice.
People within the health care profession often face ethical dilemmas, especially now a days with internet and resources everywhere. Many years ago, when internet did not exist, people were more like to believe and understand their healthcare providers. Despite the evolution of resources and internet, ethical, principles and values still need to apply for every individual by following the ethical principles.
Overview of the Case Study
After reading all the cases I chose to overview the incident #10 to vaccinate or not. Understandably, the Smiths parents after had done many research regarding or not vaccinate their newborn baby, they chose not to. The reason they chose not to vaccinate their newborn is because according with the Smith’s research, potentially vaccines may have caused autism in many children, and harm their health.
Dr Kerr, pediatrician, listen to the parents concern carefully and understand the concern that has brought to their attention. Dr Kerr explain and advise the parents the benefit of getting children vaccinate. Dr Kerr also stated that there are many diseases that mortality of children has decreased due the vaccines such as, Haemophiles influenzae type b, and measles.
Also, the doctor respectfully shares some resource with the parents and reinforce to them that vaccines are safe for children.
Finally, Dr Keer tries to explain to the Smith’s family that some children are not eligible to get vaccine due their weak immune system, such as cancer and genetics. Other children are too young to get certain vaccines, but thankfully the kids that are vaccinated can protect those that cannot be vaccinated. This epidemiological concept is known as “herd immunity.” Consequently, puts vulnerable children at significant risk of morbidity and mortality.
Last, Dr Kerr educated the parents that most states require vaccinations before children can attend school. The parents understand the doctor’s recommendation but restate they are not going to vaccinate their newborn.
Analysis of Ethical Issues in the Case Study
In the case study, the main factor is that the Smith’s family have decided not to get the newborn vaccinated. After the Dr Kerr explained the risks and benefit of getting the family vaccinated, it is also important to reinforce to the parents that “mom’s blog” and certain websites are not safe resources and does not replace many years of medical school.
Vaccines are responsible for many global public health successes, such as the eradication of smallpox and significant reductions in other serious infections like polio and measles. Even so, vaccinations have also long been the subject of various ethical controversies. The key ethical debates related to vaccine regulation, development, and use generally revolve around (1) mandates, (2) research and testing, (3) informed consent, and (4) access disparities. According to pub med, Parental refusal of vaccines is a growing a concern for the increased occurrence of vaccine preventable diseases in children. Several studies have investigated the reasons that parents refuse, delay, or are hesitant to vaccinate their child(ren). These reasons vary widely between parents, but they can be encompassed in 4 overarching categories. The 4 categories are religious reasons, personal beliefs or philosophical reasons, safety concerns, and a desire for more information from healthcare providers. Parental concerns about vaccines in each category lead to a wide spectrum of decisions varying from parents completely refusing all vaccinations to only delaying vaccinations so that they are more spread out. A large subset of parents admits to having concerns and questions about childhood vaccinations. For this reason, it can be helpful for pharmacists and other healthcare providers to understand the cited reasons for hesitancy, so they are better prepared to educate their patients’ families. Education is a key player in equipping parents with the necessary information so that they can make responsible immunization decisions for their children.
Using the Ethical Decision-Making Model to Analyze the Case Study
Using the Ethical Decision-Making Model to Analyze the Case Study we can come with a conclusion that can help the parents make a comfortable decision. Ethics in the workplace is defined as the moral code that guides the behavior of employees towards the patient with respect to what is right and wrong regarding conduct and decision making. Dr Kerr did a very good job explaining the benefits of getting the newborn vaccinated.
Can Dr Kerr dismiss the Smith’s family from her practice if the parents follow the decision of not getting the newborn vaccinated? Arguments for dismissing families include that vaccination is the standard of care and the benefits far outweigh the risks. The evidence for vaccines is so strong that doctors may feel they just can’t work with parents who stray so far from the standards of medical care. Another argument for dismissing families is that doing so may increase vaccine rates when parents see that pediatric practices feel so strongly about vaccines. Some of the downsides are that kids might end up without a medical home.
Effectiveness of Communication Approaches in the Case Study
The importance of good communication between health professionals and patients has been well documented. Dr Kerr explained to the Smith’s family the concerns for not getting the newborn baby vaccinated. Reinforce and educate the family members without overstepping the family decision is also very important because maybe right now the parents are denying the vaccine, but maybe in the future they can reconsider their believes and accept the baby to be vaccinated. Open communication without judging or making the new parents feel like they are doing something wrong is also important and supportive.
Resolving the Ethical Dilemma by Applying Ethical Principles
There are 4 basic ethical principles including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice. The ethical dilemma in the case study is caused by a conflict between the principles of autonomy on the one hand and nonmaleficence on the other. The Smith’s family have the right to make the decision for their newborn to not vaccinate her. Dr Kerr showed Dr. Kerr shows autonomy by respecting the parent’s decision and by presenting the parent’s research on safety of vaccines. Dr Kerr was trying to explain to the parents that vaccines can protect the baby from potentially fatal diseases. Although the parents have rejected to vaccinate their daughter, there will be more opportunities for Dr. Kerr to inform the parents of the importance of vaccinations and the parents feel more comfortable with the doctor and the information given.
Conclusion
Dr. Kerr delivered her best to inform the parents to have the right to decide for their child. She did her best to educate the family about the benefits of vaccines without judging the parents. Finally, Dr. Kerr’s ethical dilemma, the current approach involves adhering to the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence. The proposed solution will always be professional helping the parents because it has boundaries and provides mutual respect for all parties.
Reference:
Historyofvaccines.org. 2021. Ethical Issues and Vaccines | History of Vaccines. [online] Available at: <https://www.historyofvaccines.org/index.php/content/articles/ethical-issues-and-vaccines> [Accessed 20 November 2021].
If You Choose Not to Vaccinate Your Child. (2012, March 1). CDC. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/patient-ed/conversations/downloads/not-vacc-risks-color-office.pdf
Why parents refuse immunization? (2020, May 1). Https://Pubmed.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/27486715/. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27486715/