Suffering, Quaternary Prevention, Ethics in Chronic Illness Situations
This module introduces quaternary prevention and addresses the role of nurses in situations where individuals and families may be suffering. Principles of ethics are revisited as related to suffering
1. Discuss types of suffering.
2. Address the role of nursing in situations of suffering.
3. Introduce quaternary prevention as it relates to nursing practice.
4. Apply the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements in situations of suffering.
5. Consider informed risk, autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence in difficult situations.
The role of nursing in situations involving suffering is multifaceted but at its core is ensuring that all patients receive compassionate care while keeping them as safe and comfortable as possible - this may include providing psychosocial support such as managing symptoms through medication or helping patients cope with difficult emotions (American Nurse Association 2020). Additionally , nurses play a critical role in calling attention to any systemic problems limiting access healthcare services so appropriate measures can be taken towards rectifying such issues (Holtzclaw & Knebel 2018). Holtzclaw M., & Knebel E..(2018). Primary Care: The art and science of advanced practice nursing(4th ed.). Philadelphia: FA Davis Company.
Quaternary prevention consists of taking measures aimed at addressing upstream factors which contribute to poor health outcomes along minimizing harm from medical interventions themselves whenever possible – this aligns closely with Dr Gwande’ views on death and dying which emphasizes quality-of-life when facing chronic illnesses rather than extending life at all costs.(Holtzclaw & Knebel 2018) Holtzclaw M., & Knebel E..(2018). Primary Care: The art and science of advanced practice nursing(4th ed.). Philadelphia: FA Davis Company.
When dealing with situations involving chronic illness it is essential for nurse to use the principles outlined in the Code Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements including informed risk taking—which involves weighing potential benefits against risks when making decisions regarding actions/treatment plans—along autonomy respect for an individual´s decision making capacity beneficence concerns doing good or avoiding causing harm maleficence focuses protecting against intentional acts intended cause harm Keefe FJ., Williams DA.. Cavanaugh JT.,Sommerville RK.(2020). Pain management principles(7th ed.). Burlington : Jones&Bartlett Learning .
In sum, quaternary prevention places a strong emphasis on addressing upstream causes instead downstream effects when considering patient care – something which resonates strongly with Dr Gwande’ philosophies emphasizing quality-of-life over simply prolonging life at all costs. It also highlights how important informed risk taking along ethical considerations are when dealing difficult situations involving suffering —something that must not overlooked if we hope provide optimal care each patient situation encountered.