What role does autonomy play in achieving a 'good death' Essay

What role does autonomy play in achieving a 'good death' - Essay Example â€Å"The main reason for the complex situation at the end of life is the development of life-sustaining technologies within the last fifty years† (Earle et al 2008, p.25). Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of autonomy in achieving a ‘good death’. Hence, the concepts of autonomy and ‘good death’, along with their guiding principles and their application will be evaluated and illustrated. â€Å"The care of dying patients is a responsibility for families, healthcare professionals and society† (Jeffrey 2006, p.2). Most care support is provided by families and non-professional carers. To improve the care of dying patients it is essential to understand end-of-life issues and promote effective communication. Palliative care for patients with chronic, life-threatening diseases such as advanced cancer involves decision making. Professionals are required to include patients in decisions that affect their care, while explaining to the patients and their carers, the ethical issues involved. Patient autonomy is perceived as key to ‘good death’. However, Brown (2003) argues that patient’s autonomy or freedom of choice at the end of life care is not merely a matter of individual preference. Other important criteria that influence a patient’s autonomy are socioeconomic status, availability of services, cultural factors, emotional and relationship factors, along with the political and other aspects of care. The manner in which people are cared for at the end of their lives is one indicator of a civilised society. Recent medical advances can delay death as well as prolong the process of dying. These dynamics generate tension from which emerge ethical dilemmas requiring debate. Though the technological aspect of care increases progressively, the new concerns are regarding the neglect of the softer, psychological elements of care.

Research Article Presentation Speech or Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research Article - Speech or Presentation Example Additionally, the research has a number of strengths in the research data collection and computation. The research uses the cluster sampling technique known for its cost effectiveness in the identification of the research participants. An effective selection of the research participants gives an effective representation of the research target audience thus authenticating the claims of the new information. The cluster sampling techniques groups similar respondents together thereby making them easily accessible to the researcher. Additionally, the research employs the three different data collection techniques a feature that pools together the strengths of the three techniques thus making the research more effective. The use of a sample representation gains its validity from the impossibility of investigating every member of the public targeted by the research, the researcher therefore defines the research title and formulates a scope of the study. With these, he or she therefore devis es ways of accessing the respondents and using their responses to allude to the rest of similar population. Additionally, the research uses graphical presentation of its finding. This does not only make the research more presentable but also makes the interpretation of the research. ...This develops the information need that the researcher therefore seeks to satisfy by conducting the research. Through the elaborative background, the researcher provides a link between Neurogenic Bowel in spinal cord injuries and the quality of life that such member of the society lead. This descriptive introduction gains relevance for the research and the different methodologies that the researcher uses in developing his arguments in the conclusion. The research had a number of weaknesses too key among which included cluster sampling methodology. Despite being cost effective, the sampling technology hastily generalizes the respondents a feature that makes the research less relevant to the target popu lation. Additionally, the use of the three data gathering techniques is also redundant and makes the research repetitive thus time consuming. The use of questionnaires is largely similar to the use of interview in most cases, the researcher employs the two concurrently which makes the research process more costly and more repetitive. However, the descriptive research methodology that the researcher employs has a number of weaknesses all of which influence the effectiveness of the research findings thus the efficacy of the conclusion statement. This research structure is normally more theoretical in the description of the effects of the research variables in which case are the Neurogenic Bowel in spinal cord injuries and the quality of life. Both of the concepts in this research that constitute the variables are abstract and the researcher does not interpret these into effective mathematically computable variables. The failure by the researcher to achieve this makes the research proc ess less legitimate, the researcher

Personal Protective Equipment in Safety and Health Essay Example for Free

Personal Protective Equipment in Safety and Health Essay This involves imposing a barrier (physical barrier or distance) between the hazard and the worker. Local and General Ventilation is used to dilute or divert toxic contaminants from the workers. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL Safe operating procedures (SOP), Shift work and training of workers can reduce the risk to the workers handling chemicals. PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT If it is not possible to reduce chemical hazards to an acceptable level, by either elimination or guarding/isolation, the worker should be given certain protective equipment to prevent contact of the hazards with the body. This equipment forms a barrier between the toxic and the route of entry. Failure of equipment means immediate exposure to the hazard. Thus, personal protective equipment should not be regarded as a primary means to control hazards but rather as a supplement to other types of control measure. Injury will occur if hazards come into contact with our body, the degree of injury are depends on the magnititute of hazards and susceptibility of person. Protective clothing, gloves, apron, goggles and shoes – design to prevent absorption of chemical splash to the skin ? Safety helmet-to prevent from the sharp object falling on the head The effectiveness and efficiency of protection depends on proper use, maintenance and replacement of the PPE. If the PPE not used properly it can be more dangerous than not using as the worker would think that he is protected but in actual practice he is not protected. Factor to consider in the selection of PPE PPE should be carefully selected. The following criteria should be met when choosing PPE Give adequate protection against the specific hazard i. e right type and model ? Fit , minimum weight cause minimum discomfort and , if with attachment , it should be easily fitted and removed. ?Not restrict movement or sensory perception essential to the job ? Be easily worn and the eight to be supported by body ?Be durable and harmonious to the wear1`s culture and religion ? Not introduce additional hazards ?Be made to acceptable standards ?Be maintenance fee if possible, if maintenance is required , should be easily maintained ? Be replaced when necessary Used of respirators will prevent the entry of chemicals into the body by inhalation It is frequently used in industry where other forms of control are not practicable Type of respiratory protection : Are basically design to give protection against one or more of the following . †¢Contaminants in particulate forms †¢Contaminants in gaseous forms †¢Deficiency of oxygen With Full face mask or Half face mask Powered air is drawn through by a fan Non powered – air is drawn through by wearer inhalation Particulate filter come in various classes depending on their filtering efficiency. Gas filters are available for specific gases (e. g organic vapours, hydrogen, cyanide) Supplied air respirators (SARS) ?The air is supplied is not pressurized. It can be supplied by use of a fan , compressed air source or wearer inhalation. . ?The air supplied is pressurized and comes from a compressor or gas cylinder via an air line . Pressure is reduced prior to entering the respirator. ?The air is supplied from cylinders strapped to the wearer`s back Suppliers air respirators can have a negative pressure inside the face piece or a positive pressure. The positive types give a significantly higher evel of protection . Continuous flow types are also available for use with hoods. Protection factors This is a measure of the level of protection given by a respirator is defined as the ratio between the concentration of contaminant outside the respirator and the concentration inside the respirator(i. e the air breathed) Protection factor = ambient air concentration Concentration inhaled inside respirator For air purifying respirator it depends on the type of face mask and the efficiency of the filter. A full mask provide a higher level of protection than a half mask. For supplied air respirator it depends on pressure inside the mask(as well as the type of mask) . The protection factor is a major consideration when selecting a respirator. Selection of respirators; depends on:- †¢The contaminant †¢Task †¢Operator The contaminant i. The nature ,toxicity, physical form and concentration the contaminant, whether : particulate gas vapour or combination of both ii. whether failure of the device can result in a situation which is immediately dangerous to life and health. iii. The need to wear other personal protective equipment eg. Eye or skin protection to protect against irritants. iv. The adequacy of warning given by the contaminant v. The possibility of the contaminated atmosphere being flammable. Task. i. whether the device is for regular use for emergency or rescue purposes. ii. The probable length of time during which the wearer will be in the contaminated atmosphere. iii. The expected level of activity and mobility required of the wearer. iv. The access to and nature of the working environment and its location with respect to a source of air suitable for breathing. v. Vision and communication requirements. vi. Maintenance requirement. Operator factor †¢Basic physiology †¢Facial fit †¢User acceptance Fit testing is an important part of the selection process, particularly when the respirator design relies on a good seal. A range of respirators may need to be tried to fit individuals with different facial characteristics. Facial air can also reduce the effectiveness of seal significantly. Recognised test methods are available for initial fit testing. These are to design to detect or measure the amount of leakage around the seal of the respirator. Fit testing must be carried out when first issuing a respirator to a worker. Crude test (such as covering the openings and taking a vigorous breath) can be used in the field to check fit. Maintenance and storage All respirator (other than disposable types) need cleaning , maintenance and storage. Inhalation and exhalation valves need checking and replacement as do straps. Seals need to be disinfected , cleaned and check for damage.

Looking at Corporate Governance in TESCO Plc

Looking at Corporate Governance in TESCO Plc Corporate governance basically is a kind of concept that has been described with thousands of definitions because of its relations to economic positions of the companies.The most basic ones that can be conceptualised are as Corporate governance is a system that regulates efficiency in management of business companies involving of certain codes of practice,contracts and legislations. Corporate Governance are the policies, procedures and rules governing the relationships between the shareholders, (stakeholders), directors and management of a company, as defined by the applicable laws, the corporate charter, the companys bylaws, and formal policies. ZAWAIDEH, M. (2003).Definition of Corporate Governance [WEBSITE].AVAILABLE FROM: https://www.xing.com/net/balancedscorecard/2-insights-4642/definition-corporate-governance-1813244/ [ACCESSED:8 NOV 2009]. Corporate Governance in TESCO Plc. Corporate governance of a company encompassing with high defined values and plans i.e efficient discharge of board responsibilities towards the interest of shareholders can produce good performance.if the basic principles or codes of practice of corporate governance is not followed may lead to deterioration in the economic and financial performance of a company. Corporate governance under Combined code in TESCO plc. can be summarised by dividing into sub-categories. Effective board Chairman and executive having their own responsibilities Balance and Independence of directors Appointments of directors Committees Nomination committee Audit Committee Renumeration Committee Board performance evaluation Risk management and Internal Controls Effective board of any company forms the backbone towards good performance and stability of company. Consistent growth and success of Tesco plc. during recent years shows that company has potentially qualified and highly experienced board of directors.Moreover taking consideration into Tesco plc. annual report it is also clearly visible that board of directors are aware of goals and objectives related with the company. Northcote Internet Pvt Ltd(NO DATE).Tesco Plc. [WEBSITE].AVAILABLE FROM. http://www.northcote.co.uk/company_links/by_sector.asp?SIT=1SID=12SDL=NI02770. [ACCESSED:9 nov 2009]. Chairman and chief executive officer form as two main pillars of the company. Vital activities necessary in smooth progress of the company depends on the shoulders of chairman and chief executive officers. Company having, chairman and chief executive officers, distributed responsibilities and accountabilities fall under provisions of good governance. Considering Tesco plc. set of responsibilities and duties for chairman(Sir David Reid) and chief executive officer(Sir Terry Leahy) are very well distributed therefore avoiding any way of decisions to be taken by a single person.The shareprice of the company is also maintaining good consistency ,because of trustworthy relations between shareholders and chairman. Morningstar (NO DATE) Tesco Impresses with First Half Results (Management and stewardship). [WEBSITE].AVAILABLE FROM: http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/article.aspx?lang=en-GBarticleid=82979categoryid=660 [ACCESSED:9 NOV 2009]. Balance between the directors in the board is one key point in maintaining the stability and financial progress of the company. if the balance between the board of directors in a company is not present, the company cannot flourish unanimously. Taking consideration into tesco plc,the company has 15 members in the board where eight are executive directors and seven are non-executive directors. According to combined code atleast half of the board should be comprised of directors that are independent and there should be balance, whereas in case of Tesco plc balance between board of directors is not attained,this also raises the question of independence among the directors. Appointment of board for a company is another essential footstep that has to be followed on a regular basis in order to maintain the standard of required skills and experience. Generally the election in a company is held annually, which is the best way of practising and complying with combined code. In accordance with Tesco plc the election of board is held every three years,which is not very well regulated. Morningstar (NO DATE) Tesco Impresses with First Half Results (Management and stewardship). [WEBSITE].AVAILABLE FROM: http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/article.aspx?lang=en-GBarticleid=82979categoryid=660 [ACCESSED:10 NOV 2009]. The Committee structure provides company to perform in parts and give out united results by concentrating on key areas.cosidering Tesco plc. ,it is divided into three important committees namely Nominations Committee Remumeration Committee Audit Committee Nomination committee The Committees purpose is to mould the approach of TESCO to concerns of corporate governance and, from time to time, to review such approach and make recommendations to the Board of TESCO in respect of such matters. In addition, the Committee shall advise the Board on corporate governance and related matters.the committee is chaired by David Reid.as it can be percieved re-election in tesco happens to be every three year so nomination process needs to be improved ,may be it can be reduced to one year process which can explore new talents and experiences Audit committee The Committees purpose is to represent and assist the Board of Directors with oversight of the integrity of TESCOs accounting and financial reporting processes (including related internal controls) and the audits of the financial statements of TESCO. Management is responsible for the TESCOs accounting and financial reporting processes. The external auditors are responsible for the audit within accepted auditing standards of TESCOs accounting and reporting process and reporting the results of that audit to the Committee. Tesco Corporation(2008).Audit committee charter. [WEBSITE].AVAILABLE FROM: http://www.tescocorp.com/data/1/rec_docs/523_Tesco%20Audit%20Committee%20Charter%2007-05-18.pdf [ACCESSED ON:11 nov 2009] Remuneration Committee Remuneration committee is basically designed for remuneration of directors,employees or staff in a proper and efficient way.In a statement, Tesco said: Remuneration for the main board reflects the highly competitive environment in retail and the need to recruit and retain the best people.An independent remuneration committee approves rewards, linking them to challenging long-term performance targets. If these targets are not met, the rewards diminish. Breakingnews.ie(2003).Tesco chief gets 15% pay and benefits boost. [WEBSITE].AVAILABLE FROM: http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2003/0511/business/snidojeykf/ [ACCESSED ON:11 NOV 2009]

Comparing Fire and Ice, Soldiers Home, The Jilting of Granny Weatheral

Lessons from Fire and Ice, Soldier's Home, The Jilting of Granny Weatherall, and Sunday Morning Grasping for stability on the face of a chaotic universe, modernist writers believed that the traditional assumptions about family, war, society, and religion were no longer valid. Before, during, and after World War I, the modernists displayed the influences of scientific revolutions, familial upheaval, social reform, and philosophical questions. Religion was particularly decimated by the ravages of questioning. This central motivating factor of not only the United States, but the entire world, was intensely scrutinized and oftentimes abandoned by the modernists, and criticism, abandonment, and reconstruction of religion are evident in selected works of Robert Frost, Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Anne Porter, and Wallace Stevens. Frost flippantly scoffs at doomsday predictions in "Fire and Ice." In contrast to Frost's assertion of the power of the individual against scientific prediction and religious prophecy, Harold Krebs folds under his family's religious pressure in Hemingway's "S oldier Home." Alienated from both her family and society, Granny Weatherall tries to use Roman Catholicism as a ticket to Heaven in Porter's "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall," but she realizes the pointlessness of this goal on her deathbed. As a culmination of the underlying implications of modernist thought, Wallace Stevens embraces a new religious order in "Sunday Morning." As opposed to a transcendent and unseeable yearning for the afterlife, Modernism presents the option of a new faith in the power of natural and secular reality. In a few succinct and profound lines, Robert Frost alludes to two predominant theories of world destruction in "Fire... ... and Ice," "Soldier's Home," "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall," and "Sunday Morning," for the relevance of the these works has not diminished over time. With profound insight and acute introspection, the modernists urge the reader to question the validity of traditional religion, and their disillusioned, alienated, and experimental voices do not soothe the individual into complacency and stagnation. Unsettled and possibly uprooted, a reader must then reevaluate his or her own spiritual odyssey. Works Cited Frost, Robert. "Fire and Ice." McQuade 2: 1256. Hemingway, Ernest. "Soldier's Home." McQuade 2: 1159-63. McQuade, Donald, et al. ed. The Harper American Literature. 2nd ed. 2 vols. New York: Harper Collins, 1993. Porter, Katherine Anne. "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall." McQuade 2: 1056-62 Stevens, Wallace. "Sunday Morning." McQuade 2: 1273-76.

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Essay -- essays research papers

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill ABSTRACT In March of 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. An eighteen foot wide hole was ripped into the hull, and 10.9 million gallons of crude oil spilled into the ocean. In the following weeks, many things transpired. This paper will discuss the cleanup, the damage, and the results of the biggest oil spill in United States history. On March 24, 1989, in Prince William Sound Alaska, the Exxon Valdez was moving South West after leaving Port Valdez. The ship was carrying over fifty million gallons of crude oil. When the Valdez was only twenty-eight miles from the port, it ran aground on Bligh reef. The bottom was ripped open, and 10.9 million gallons of North Slope Crude Oil spilled into the frozen Alaskan waters at a rate of two hundred thousand gallons per minute. The remaining forty-two million gallons were off loaded. In the ensuing days, more than 1,200 miles of shoreline were hit with oil. This area included four National Wildlife Refugees, three National Parks, and Chugach National Forest. Within hours, smaller tanker vessels arrived in order to off load the remaining oil. Unfortunately, the cleanup effort was hindered by an inadequate cleanup plan that had been created during the 1970's. These plans outlined how an oil spill would be handled, including provisions for maintaining equipment such as containment booms and "skimmer boats." The plans also called for a response team to be on twenty-four hour notice. Unfortunately, the plans were good on paper only. A spill of this size had not been anticipated. Therefore, the response teams had been demobilized, and the equipment that was supposed to be ready at all times was either too far away or nonexistent.. Precious hours were also wasted as Corporations, the Alaskan State Government, and the National government argued over who should take control of the situation. The arguments ensued after debates over who would pay for what, who was responsible for what, and who would do the best job. The local fishermen were a big help with the cleanup effort. They battled with the oil in order to protect their industry. Many fisherman were seen in row-boats in the small coastal inlets. The fishermen work... ...industry in Alaska, so there has been much concern over the welfare of the fish. Many natives also live by subsistence fishing. Pink salmon and herring were the two species that people were most concerned about. Pink salmon is the biggest commercial fish in Alaskan waters, many people were afraid that the salmon population would need years to recover, however, studies have shown that the effect of the oil on spawning, eggs, and fry was negligible. Chromatography tests have also shown that there are no hydrocarbons in the flesh of most of the fish. Those that do have hydrocarbons in their flesh have a level that is so low as to be measured in the parts per billion range. Herring is also a huge commercial fish in Alaska. The 1988 catch yielded twelve point three million dollars. In 1989, after the spill, herring was declared "off limits" to fishermen. However, this was compensated by a salmon catch that was six times as big as it had been in 1988. In 1990, when herring fishing resumed, it returned to normal levels. The damage to the fishing industry was not nearly as bad as had been anticipated. Usha Varanasi, director of the NOAA's Environmental Conservation Division in S

Mountains Beyond Mountains

In the book, Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder, Paul Farmer made and continues to make a profound difference in the world. He was extremely successful because of the help he received from people who surrounded him. Partners In Health (PIH), Farmer’s organization, gives healthcare to people who cannot afford it and treatment to those with tuberculosis and AIDS. Although he was a founding advocate to the success of Partners In Health, Farmer would not have accomplished all that he did without the aid from others. Usually, it takes a group of people with the same goals in order to make a change in the world.Not everyone in the world can drop his/her entire life and put as much effort into saving the world as Paul Farmer did. However, he had many dedicated people who helped him. Without Ophelia Dahl, Tom White, and Jim Yong Kim, Paul Farmer would not have been nearly as successful as he is today. Ophelia Dahl sacrificed a great deal to make Partners In Health the success it is. Ophelia met farmer when she was just eighteen years old working as a volunteer for Eye Care Haiti. Ophelia and Farmer fell in love while both in Haiti.They both decided their relationship was not going to work due to the amount of time Farmer spent helping others. She realized that her needs as his wife would get in the way of his desire to be the best doctor that he could be. In a letter that Ophelia wrote to Paul she said, â€Å"The qualities I love in you-that drew me to you-also cause me to resent you: namely your unswerving commitment to the poor, your limitless schedule and your massive compassion for others† (Kidder 66). This quote proves how much Farmer put himself before others and put his personal life last on his priority list.Ophelia described Paul Farmer as someone whom is a pleasure to work around. She explained there is always a way to avoid being a bystander because Farmer constantly needs help. In response to that, Ophelia helped start Partners In Heal th and still manages the organization today. Tom White was also an essential part in the starting and continuance of Partners In Health. Kidder wrote, â€Å"Some of the cash came from grants but most of it from private donations, the largest from a Boston developer named Tom White, who gave millions over the years† (Kidder 22).White was a wealthy man who owned a construction firm in Boston and helped Farmer get enough money in order to start the hospital that he thought had much potential. He met Paul Farmer when Farmer was still training to be a doctor and the millions of dollars he gave supported Partners In Health for several years. Although Tom White did not directly take care of any of the patients, he saved millions of lives due to his generosity. Without his money there would have been numerous tragic deaths that could have been treated with just a few supplies.Kidder explains, â€Å"Farmer and his staff of community health workers treated most tuberculosis patients i n their huts and spent between $150 an $200 to cure an uncomplicated case† (Kidder 22). Thus, this quote goes to show how many lives Tom White technically saved with the millions of dollars he put forth. Jim Yong Kim is what we would call Paul Farmer’s â€Å"partner in crime† in carrying out Farmer’s ideals in medicine. Kim was a founder of Partners In Health with Farmer. He worked beside Farmer and is also a Brigham doctor who puts much of his life into saving patients with tuberculosis and AIDS.Farmer also played a prominent role in curing several cases of AIDS and HIV through World Health Organization. In addition to his help in Haiti, Kim also started a clinic in Peru to help cure severe cases of tuberculosis. In Peru, he helped create a treatment program for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. He successfully solved many tuberculosis cases in Peru and proved to many it is possible to cure severe cases that may seem untreatable. Kim still continues helpi ng with Partners In Health and contributing to the expanding medical field.Without the help of these individuals, Paul Farmer would not have accomplished nearly as much as he did. The more support and help that one has the more goals they are likely to accomplish. Although Dahl, White, and Kim may not have been as extreme as Farmer they still changed many lives. They created organizations that still stand today and continue to help sick dc-=-people. If everyone helped someone just once at some point in their day like Farmer did, more and more lives could be changed.