Seminar on Ethics & Healthcare: A Step Toward Improving Patient Outcomes
By: Marc Ian O. Villanueva
On a crisp morning at the Patient Support Service Building (PSSB), the 3rd floor was abuzz with anticipation. Forty professionals, both clinical and non-clinical, gathered from various departments of BRHMC, united by a common purpose: to deepen their understanding of ethics in healthcare. The event, titled “Seminar on Ethics & Healthcare: Improving Patient Outcomes,” conducted on the 13th day of August 2024, was more than just a meeting—it was a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering ethical practices that directly impact patient care.
The seminar, a collaborative effort orchestrated by the Nursing Training and Research, Health and Safety Committee, brought together the sharp minds of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the legal department. Together, they crafted a day-long exploration of the crucial role ethics play in the healthcare field—a role that, while often discussed in theoretical terms, finds its true importance in the real-world outcomes it influences.
The day began with a solemn invocation, setting a reflective tone that resonated throughout the event. As the echoes of the Philippine National Anthem filled the room, there was a palpable sense of unity among the attendees. This shared moment was followed by the opening remarks of Ms. Hazel B. Millena, Nurse VI for Training and Research. With her words, she set the stage for a day of deep, purposeful discussions, emphasizing the critical nature of the topics at hand.
The seminar’s structure was as meticulously planned as its content. Four key modules were designed to give participants a holistic understanding of ethics in healthcare, each one building on the last. The first module, led by Ms. Roby Anne Ng, Nurse III and member secretary of the IRB, provided a foundational overview of ethical principles. Her presentation was more than just an introduction—it was the cornerstone upon which the rest of the seminar would build.
Atty. April Jane Moral then took the stage, guiding the audience through the intricate maze of ethical decision-making in healthcare. With her extensive legal background, she unpacked the complexities of ethical dilemmas, offering participants practical insights on how to navigate these challenges while keeping patient care at the forefront.
The third module, presented by Atty. Dhoy Marpuri, brought the discussion to a new level of depth. His focus on the ethical challenges commonly encountered in healthcare practice was both sobering and enlightening. He illustrated the real-world consequences of ethical and unethical behavior, reminding everyone in the room of the weight their decisions carry.
But it was in the final module, led by Ms. Millena, where the threads of the seminar truly came together. With passion and clarity, she made a compelling case for the direct link between ethical practices and patient outcomes. Her message was clear: adherence to ethical standards isn’t just a professional obligation—it’s a pathway to better care, greater patient satisfaction, and improved health outcomes.
As the day drew to a close, Ms. Jozel Olaguer took the podium for the closing remarks. Her words were a fitting end to a day of deep reflection and learning. She reiterated the essential role that ethics plays within healthcare organizations and emphasized the importance of applying these principles in daily practice. For the participants, her message was both a challenge and a call to action: to bring the principles discussed into their everyday work, ensuring that ethics remains a guiding force in all they do.
The seminar was met with widespread approval from the participants, who praised the insightful and informative presentations. But beyond the positive feedback, the event marked a significant moment for BRHMC. It reinforced the institution’s dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards, not just in theory, but in practice. Through events like these, BRHMC continues to lead by example, demonstrating that ethical healthcare is not just a goal, but a reality that can—and must—be achieved.
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