NURS 2513: Ethics and Health Equity in Interprofessional Practice

Course Overview

This course focuses on bioethical theories, health equity, and relevant concepts and current issues pertinent to nursing and health professionals. We will explore the ethical decision-making process, self-reflection, and collaboration with clients and other practitioners, emphasizing the impact on client health and autonomy.

Course Learning Outcomes

Describe the ethical practitioner’s role in equity, diversity, and justice in healthcare.
Apply ethical frameworks to diverse healthcare situations that favor client-centred outcomes.
Identify advocacy strategies and collaborative approaches with clients and interprofessional healthcare teams in response to ethical issues.
Examine current healthcare issues, emphasizing health equity and cultural perspectives, particularly concerning Indigenous health disparities.
Differentiation between ethical obligations, professional boundaries, and legal requirements according to established standards.
Critically reflect on personal values and perceived power in the context of ethical healthcare provision.

Instructor Information

Dr. Robin Coatsworth-Puspoky, Dr. Mary Smith, Dr. Shaina Janmohamed are available for virtual office hours by appointment to support student learning.

Teaching and Learning Approaches

This course is in-person with resources available via eClass. Active participation and professional conduct are expected to foster an effective learning environment.

Evaluation

Course Assignments

Reflection of an Ethical Issue: 10%
Midterm Exam: 35%
Group Presentation: 20%
Final Paper: 35% - Examining a current ethical issue from various theoretical and philosophical perspectives related to healthcare.

Grading Policy

Grades follow a 9-point system, and late submissions are subject to penalties unless pre-arranged. Academic integrity is crucial, and the use of unauthorized resources is not permitted.

Course Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to Ethical Decision-Making

Discuss moral reasoning and nursing history.
Examine cultural influences on nursing practice.

Week 2: Ethical Principles Part 1

Define deontological ethics and related moral philosophies.
Explore principles of autonomy and beneficence.

Week 3: Ethical Principles Part 2

Define non-maleficence and veracity; importance of confidentiality.

Week 4: Values Clarification

Distinguish between personal, societal, and professional values.
Identify conflicting values and the influence of culture.

Week 5: Ethical Decision Making and Integrity

Define and distinguish ethical dilemmas from practical moral issues.
Examine emotional influences in ethical decision-making.

Moral and Ethical Issues

Key Concepts

Ethical Dilemma: A situation where conflicting moral claims apply.
Moral Distress: The feeling of helplessness when knowing the correct action but being constrained from carrying it out.
Moral Outrage: Perception of wrongdoing without personal involvement.

Moral Development and Scholarly Insights

Insights from theorists like Kohlberg and Gilligan reflect the evolving nature of moral reasoning, emphasizing the significance of gender and cultural perspectives in shaping ethical frameworks.

Conclusion

This comprehensive approach to ethics in nursing equips participants with the necessary tools to engage critically with ethical challenges, advocate for health equity, and uphold professional standards in practice.

An awareness of personal and cultural values will not only enhance interpersonal relationships within healthcare settings but also promote better patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Overview of NURS 2513: Ethics and Health Equity in Interprofessional Practice

Comprehensive Overview of NURS 2513: Ethics and Health Equity in Interprofessional Practice