Chapter 2 Class Activity 1-Deinstitusalization Discussion

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Chapter 2: Class Activity 1-Deinstitusalization Discussion

What are the ethical issues of forced treatment and free choice?

Forced treatment and free choice is based on four principles; beneficence, respect for the patient’s autonomy, nonmaleficence and justice. Concept of informed consent is applied where the patient makes a decision on free will and in knowledge of benefits of proposed therapy. However, coercion treatment may be used when the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice contradict to patient’s will.

Discuss in groups, an example of both

Example of forced treatment; A patient, 65 years old, with acute inflammation of the gall bladder who after going through a successful surgery, tries to remove infusions with antibiotics and claims that she want to go home. In this case, coercion may be used since the nurses see it is not right for her to go home as it may lead to poor outcome.

Example of free choice; John, 45 years old, suffering from pneumonia understands that he needs treatment. In this case, he will agree to therapy with antibiotics but not to therapy with antipsychotics.

Does having a mental health issue remove the basic human rights of a person?

No. Unless there is prove that the individual has impaired judgment on treatment needed.