ESSNTLSINHEALTHINFORMATICSChapter2.pptx

Introduction to Healthcare Informatics, Second Edition
Chapter 2:
Ethics

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Objectives
Articulate a definition of ethics
Use basic ethical terms and concepts
Explain the importance of ethical issues related to technology
Analyze ethical issues related to health informatics
Apply the AHIMA Code of Ethics to ethical scenarios
Apply the steps of the ethical decision-making process to a given scenario
Develop policies and procedures for ethics related to informatics

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Defining Ethics
Ethics is a field of study that deals with moral principles, theories, and values;
In healthcare, ethics is a formal decision-making process for dealing with the competing perspectives and obligations of the people who have an interest in a common problem
Ethical decision-making is a process where everyone must contemplate others’ perspectives, even if they disagree on the issue

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Values and Morals
Morals are the principles of right conduct that an individual adopts
Values are what ethics and morals are based on; the beliefs or standards on which judgment is based

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Ethical Terms
Autonomy: the freedom of an individual to choose their own actions
Beneficence: doing good for others
Nonmaleficence: doing no harm to others
Justice: treating all people fairly

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Legal Influence
HIPAA
HITECH
GINA
HIPAA Omnibus Rule

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Ethical Standards of Practice
Code of Ethics: a statement of ethical principles regarding business practices and professional behavior
Professional obligation to follow

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

AHIMA Code of Ethics
Selected principles that address patient information and informatics:
I. Advocate, uphold and defend the individual’s right to privacy and the doctrine of confidentiality in the use and disclosure of information
III. Preserve, protect and secure personal health information in any form or medium and hold in the highest regards health information and other information of a confidential nature obtained in an official capacity, taking into account the applicable statutes and regulations
X. Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration in situations supporting health information practice (AHIMA 2011)

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Policies and Procedures
Operationalize laws and regulations consistent with codes of ethics
Facilitate autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

The Ethics Committee
Consultation
Policies and procedures
Educational activities
Clinical and organizational ethical situations

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Potential Ethical Issues
Provisioning of care
Using health information
Protected health information
Electronic health records
Genetics

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Other Potential Ethical Concerns
Electronic health records
Personal health records
Release of information
Health information exchange
Social networking

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Health Literacy
The ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information
HHS plan goals:
Develop and disseminate accurate, accessible, actionable health and safety information
Promote changes in the healthcare system that improve the health information, communication, informed decision making, and access to health services
Incorporate accurate, standards-based, and developmentally appropriate health and science information and curricula in child care and education through the university level

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

HHS Plan Goals (continued)

Support and expand local efforts to provide adult education, English language instruction, and culturally and linguistically appropriate health information services in the community
Build partnerships, develop guidance, and change politics
Increase basic research and the development, implementation, and evaluation of practices and interventions to improve health literacy
Increase dissemination and use of evidence-based health literacy practices and interventions

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© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Ethical Decision Making
Assessing potential
Identifying
Evaluating
Deciding on a course of action
Preventing future occurrences

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association

Example of an Ethical Decision-Making Matrix

Steps Information

1. What is the question?  

2. What is my “gut” reaction  

3. What are the facts? Known To be gathered

4. What are the values?
Stakeholders: Patient:
HIM Professional(s):
Healthcare professional(s):
Administrators:
Society:
Others as appropriate:

5. What are my options?  

6. What should I do?  

7. What justifies my choice? Justified Not justified

8. How can I prevent this problem?  

© 2017 American Health Information Management Association