Ethics and Professionalism in the Ultrasound Department Case Study

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But a provider may also "use his/her professional judgment to disclose health information to a parent, even in cases that otherwise meet an exception, as 'necessary to avert a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the minor'" such as if a minor begs a doctor not to tell his or her parent that s/he is being sexually abused (Minors, 2005, Miller School). However, given the circumstances of the case, the sonographer went 'out of bounds' in addressing the parents without the girl's permission about her condition, as well as introducing personal information.

HIPPA suggests a sonographer should ask if the young girl would like her parent to be there during the discussion of the procedure, and if the patient gives consent, inform the patient and her parents of any risks that might come to light. If the girl's life is judged to be at risk because of unexpected complications, this should also be broached with her parents, although the girl's cooperation should first be sought. Thus the degree of confidence placed in healthcare professionals to exercise sound ethical discretion when dealing with minor patients means that individuals in a position of trust have profound responsibilities. The moral judgment of the sonographer of the young girl should not be an issue in his or her treatment. In the case of a fifteen-year-old seeking a sonogram, the sonographer is bound to examine the girl to his or her fullest capacity, given that one ethical tenant of the profession is to adhere "to oversight and approval of investigational procedures, including documented informed consent" (SDMS: Code of Ethics, 2010, SDMS).

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Protecting a patient's rights, including the right to privacy and to refuse a procedure, is paramount, according to the profession's ethical code.

A final, important reminder in terms of the ethical need for trust is that the patient, if confronted by an abnormal pregnancy, may need to contemplate terminating the pregnancy. The patient must have confidence that the medical information provided by the sonographer is accurate, and not tainted with bias, based upon her age. When the patient walks into the examining room, she must feel as if the only concern is the health of her fetus and her own health, not the personal issues of the sonographer and his or her religious or psychological issues. If the patient does not have confidence in the sonography and the medical profession as a whole she may engage in poor decision-making and there may be long-standing ramifications for her future. This is why swift and effective discipline is necessary against the sonographer, including counseling on a professional as well as a personal level. Regardless of the competence of the individual at his or her task, ethical competence is also demanded in the healthcare profession......

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