Decision-Making is regarded as an outcome of mental processes that leads to the selection of a specific action among different alternatives. The output can be an action or an opinion of choice. Decision-making is an important aspect in nursing because part of nursing assessment is to provide care to clients that may help remedy current client problems.
Decision-Making Styles
- Scientific Approach
Three stages:
- Intelligence
- Design
- Choice
- Intuitive Approach
- Emotional Approach
- Nursing Process Approach
Ethical Aspects of Decision-Making
Ethical Theories
- Teleological Theory. Consequence oriented.
- Deontological Theory. Duty oriented.
- Aretaic Theory. Virtue oriented.
- Divine Command Theory.
Ethical Principles
- Autonomy. This refers to the capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced decision.
- Veracity. Truth.
- Beneficence. “Do good and avoid evil”. It involves the physician making the decisions that are best for the patient, without regard to personal gain or the interests of others.
- Non-maleficence. “First, do no harm.”
- Confidentiality. Ensuring that information regarding the client and his illness is accessible only to those authorized to have access.
- Justice. Is concerned with the proper order of things and persons within a society.
- Role fidelity. Representing your abilities to a patient truthfully.
