The Ethical Conflict
Daniel wants to implement a robust informed consent process based on shared decision-making principles so that Margaret can make an informed choice.
Daniel believes:
Patients have the federally protected right to decide what risks are acceptable in their own lives (Teoli & Ghassemzadeh, 2023)
Strict policies guide when patient autonomy can be revoked
Informed adults should not be forced into unwanted medical interventions
Sofia wants facility staff to maintain care team-recommended diets to reduce the possibility of adverse outcomes. She does not believe that Margaret should be allowed to choose an unsafe diet.
Sofia believes:
Healthcare providers have a responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals
Preventable harm should be avoided whenever possible
Leadership requires maintaining safe systems of care
Both individuals believe they are acting ethically.
This creates a direct conflict between:
patient autonomy
institutional safety priorities
quality of life
risk management
dignity
organizational responsibility