Ongoing concern about photo essay.When I first saw the photographic essay "Who cares", published in the May issue, I felt horrified hor·ri·fy tr.v. hor·ri·fied, hor·ri·fy·ing, hor·ri·fies 1. To cause to feel horror. See Synonyms at dismay. 2. To cause unpleasant surprise to; shock. and appalled. Two months later, I still feel the same way. The following are my main reasons for feeling so strongly about it. 1) The frail elderly frail elderly, n.pl older persons (usually over the age of 75 years) who are afflicted with physical or mental disabilities that may interfere with the ability to independently perform activities of daily living. were used to highlight the poor pay rates of carers. This is unethical unethical said of conduct not conforming with professional ethics. . 2) Consent. What consent? When there is such a power imbalance, I have often seen patients "agree" or "consent" to do something they don't want to. 3) The patients' rights The legal interests of persons who submit to medical treatment. For many years, common medical practice meant that physicians made decisions for their patients. This paternalistic view has gradually been supplanted by one promoting patient autonomy, whereby patients and to privacy, dignity and respect appear to have been breached. 4) Most nurses already know what caring for the frail elderly entails, so who was the target audience? 5) The decision to publish this essay calls into question the judgement of those who made it. I have worked as a registered nurse from 1962-1997, the last five years in a facility providing hospital care for the frail elderly. I am neither paternalistic pa·ter·nal·ism n. A policy or practice of treating or governing people in a fatherly manner, especially by providing for their needs without giving them rights or responsibilities. , ageist, or prudish. I am simply very concerned about what has occurred. Helen Sutherland, RN, AdvDipNursing, Christchurch |
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