Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Ethical Dilemmas Encountered by Health Care Providers Caring for Marshallese Migrants in Northwest Arkansas
Abstract:
Marshallese migrating to the United States face numerous challenges in accessing health care and managing illness and chronic disease. This study explores health care providers' perceptions of and experiences with ethical dilemmas as they care for Marshallese patients. Utilizing a qualitative research design, we interviewed 21 providers to explore the ethical dilemmas they encountered while treating Marshallese patients. We used the framework of bioethical principlism to categorize and describe the ethical dilemmas reported by those providers. When explicitly asked whether they experienced such situations, approximately half (10/21) affirmed that they had, and analysis of the qualitative data indicated that all interviewees described an ethical dilemma at least once during their interviews. We characterized providers' ethical dilemmas in terms of conflicts that arise when prioritizing different ethical principles in the care of this complex patient population, including the principles of respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:17Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
01:26Traditional Level Of Health Care System
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...