Lou Gehrig's (ALS) disease is a health disorder that is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, abbreviated as ALS. The symptoms of the disease include muscles becoming smaller and weaker, and at the same time lose sustenance. Pain in the spinal cord because the disease affects parts of the spinal cord, and it is in the spinal that the nerves that nourish muscles are located. Development of hardened or scarred tissue in place of healthy nerves is also a symptom. In health care provision, there are ethical issues and principles that determine, and control actions that health care providers take in relation to patients, and also actions that patients have to acquire. There are three pillars that shape and control ethical issues in health care provision that include individual, societal and organizational concerns (Morrison & Furlong, 2014, pp.71).
Rick and his family may face ethical questions in the future that may include how to treat friends and relatives who might have changed their perception regarding the current Rick ailing situation. Rick might also ask himself the best ways and methods that will help him cope with the situation that most probably will change his life completely, and possibly made him numb.ALS disease affecting muscles and nerves especially the spinal cord, and making patients become smaller and weaker, might create a situation where Rick and his family might face stigma from the society in general. Due to this health challenge, Rick might ask himself how his organization or place of work will react to his health problem and concern, and in the event that he is discriminated against, what actions he should take.
Rick alongside his family will have to decide where, and when should he start medication and what he needs to do to improve his condition. The decision that Rick and his family makes regarding his current ailing condition has to be independent and autonomous (Melia, 2011, pp.112). Also the action that he and his family might take has to be intended to do good for him, his family and the society in general. The decisions have to be those that will prevent harm to him and worsen his situation and also not inflict pain and harm to others. The decisions made by Rich and his family have to be just and not favor or discriminate against anybody. Such decisions have to respect other people’s right and rule of law.
Scholars and practitioners in health care matters have pointed out that there are four ethical rules that have to be followed in making ethical decisions. They include privacy, veracity, fidelity and confidentiality (Post, Blustein & Dubler, 2010, pp.77). Therefore, advice to Rick and his family is that they should follow all the directions that the doctor tells them. They should seek counseling from experts on how to cope with the new condition and situation that has confronted the family. The decisions made should take care of the positive interests that will help him exploit the best chance of accessing treatment. The pronouncement made should be objective, informed, and in line with the law.
References
Melia, K. M. (2011). Health care ethics: Lessons from intensive care. London: SAGE.
Morrison, E. & Furlong, B. (2014). Health care ethics: Critical issues for the 21st century. Burlington, MA. Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN: 978-1-4496-6535-7.
Post, L. F., Blustein, J., & Dubler, N. N. (2010). Handbook for health care ethics committees. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
