Ethics of Care and Wellness: An Inquiry for Professionals, Caregivers, and Patients

Featuring a uniquely philosophical approach, Ethics of Care and Wellness: An Inquiry for Professionals, Caregivers, and Patients places medical professionals' obligations and practices, as well as patients' expectations, within the context of an ethos determined by an intentional understanding of the human person. Readers are encouraged to consider how the treatment of a disease or pathology reveals only biological functioning, which when isolated from other genuine needs and goods of the human person disorders the purpose of healthcare itself. Throughout the text, medical ethical judgements are analyzed by critical philosophical thought as it relates to the healthcare profession. Readers develop a stronger appreciation for the importance of critical thinking in healthcare, become acquainted with an expanded idea of personhood, and reframe consent and privacy as facets of patient dignity. Future and emergent healthcare and bioethical concerns are presented for reflection. Each chapter contains installments of Anna's Story, a narrative account that extends throughout the book and demonstrates key concepts within the context of a real-world case. Additional case studies and discussion and thought prompts appear within each chapter and serve to further support the learning experience. Ethics of Care and Wellness provides readers with a unique and essential exploration of ethics within the healthcare system. It is an ideal resource for courses and programs in medicine, nursing, healthcare administration, philosophy, and related disciplines within the social sciences. It is also an excellent reference for caregivers and patients.