Ethical decision making in the emergency department: The R.O.L.E. acronym for four areas of consideration

Abstract

Summary The major principles that guide ethical decision making are the principles of autonomy, beneficence , and justice . Of these, the overriding principle is that of autonomy , …to recognize that person's capacities and perspective, including his or her right to hold views, to make choices, and to take actions based on personal values and beliefs. 8 Attaining this goal can be challenging in any health care setting, but especially so in an emergency setting where frequently there is limited time, history, and access to information about the patient's prior expressed wishes or values. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that the difficulties of the ED practice setting do not negate our responsibility to act ethically. According to the ENA Code of Ethics, Emergency nurses provide care based on ethical principles such as reverence for life and respect for personal freedoms. 7 Knowledge of both ethical principles and relevant laws and policies will ensure sound decision making in the ED setting.