Ethical Decision Making in Nursing and Healthcare: The Symphonological Approach

By Gladys L. Husted, James H. Husted, Gladys Husted PhD MSN RN

Book Overview

The authors take the reader on a journey through complex material by focusing on the agreement between professional and patient within the framework of ethical standards and the contexts of situation and knowledge. Scenarios and case studies make the proposed dilemmas come alive and will stimulate discussion that will make practice more individualized. The humor sprinkled throughout the chapters effectively clarifies principles and brings lightness to a heavy subject. This should be read by both patients and healthcare professionals."
- Jeri A. Milstead, PhD, RN, CNAA, CNS
Professor and Dean, School of Nursing, Medical College of Ohio

This book provides a systematic approach to bioethical decision making that can help clarify issues in situations where "right" and "wrong" may not be clearly defined. This approach is based on the interaction of health professional and patient, focusing on the well-being and right to self-direction of both. Numerous case studies give the professional practice in bioethical decision making. Nearly 50 of them are analyzed in detail at the back of the book. Nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals will find this a valuable resource.

New to this edition: tips for educators, chapters on applications for administrators and researchers, advanced concepts in symphonology, and advanced directives.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826114326
• ISBN13: 9780826114327
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Must Have Book for all in Healthcare. New features just wonderful!!

Finally! A book that teaches students and practicing professionals how and why they make those day-to-day practice decisions. Quick. Easy. User Friendly! This book provides the reader with an easy to follow, contextually based ethical framework from which to practice-one based on the premise that we hold a social contract or agreement with our patients. It is a book about 'every day' decisions and how we conduct our practice, prevent burnout, and learn to function well for patients and the public in a complex health care system. The book features new, terrific case studies and their solutions, objectives, discussion questions and an extensive faculty guide, powerpoints, and test questions. The book is applicable at all levels of nursing education and is also excellent as an adjunct to courses or as a centerpiece of a stand-alone bioethics course. A must have for every health care practitioner and student! Anne B.

Much more than a book!

Once I started reading this exceptional book, I could not stop." Ethical Decision Making in Nursing and Health care: the symphonological approach" is much more than a book, it is a way of living and interacting with people. The book is rich with case studies and scenarios that stimulate discussion and critical thinking. The language used is friendly even to non native English speakers .This book is highly remarkable because it helps the reader to understand the ethical values of the American society. It emphasizes the professional/ patient agreement; it clarifies the nature of the ethical context and identifies the bioethical standards. I advise all nurses to read and discuss this book with their colleagues.Myrna

It was a required text

I found the book very helpful for my graduate school work. Lynne Perrin