ethical theory

Utilitarianism
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Utilitarianism
Every practice that involves other members of society must always follow specific elements that regulate behaviour among human beings. This requires that everything must be done concerning the set patterns. Each sub-system in the community is influenced by difference. As a school of thought, utilitarianism is one of the most used schools of thought in the solving of various dilemmas (Barilan, 2004). This theory is based on the belief that the results determine the good or the bad in the action that is carried out. According to Upton (2011), the utilitarian theory has often been relied upon as one of the pillars that determine the relationships that develop in the hospital setting. This requires that every person to operate as a part of the larger family in the hospital setting.
Some of the ideas advanced by this theory include the question of the importance of providing care to other people. The place of the care provider is well defined, and any attempt at providing care should be considered rewarding to the caregiver. This theory advances the belief that such action is of mercy. Hence, should give some element of reward to the care provider who then operates as a volunteer. Upton (2011) points out that utilitarianism advances the idea that the goodness of an act is determined by the consequences that follows. In this regard, utilitarianism is governed by the inherent desire to do well in the society. Upton (2011) adds that the attempt to do good should be considered within given parameters that determine the success of the different goals.

Tobjorn (2005) points out that two main types of utilitarianism are both useful when exploring the application of the theory in the health sector in the effort to efficiently manage the operations. Negative utilitarianism is experienced when the individual opts to pick the least painful strategies when maximising the pleasure experienced by a group of people (Tobjorn, 2005).
Tobjorn (2005) states that the theory centres on the achievement of individual interests in as far as the human actions are concerned. This has been useful in determining the cause for actions especially in cases where the patient or the doctor is required to make quick decisions regarding the health of the patient. The theory is among the areas of concern especially in dealing with the different dilemmas in the medical field. Questions on euthanasia and alternative treatment should be thought of regarding the ideals of utilitarianism. For instance, the issue of euthanasia would be debated regarding the impact that it would have on the family of the patient, as well as the effects on the patient.
The utilitarian theory provides the practitioners with a way of responding to the dilemmas that they could face in carrying out their duties. Upton (2011) argues that the importance of utilitarianism as a theory lies in the provision of the framework for carrying out some of the significant decisions that can be substantiated by the consequences.
The usefulness of any manager in the hospital setting is tied to his or her ability to make decisions that can stand the test of time. Most of the time, different issues must be addressed in the hospital setting and the role of the manager should be dependent on the knowledge of these theories. Utilitarianism should create a sense of consequentialism in the manager hence determining the quality of the decisions made in the hospital.
References
Barilan, Y. M. (2004). Towards a dialogue between utilitarianism and medicine. Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy, 7(2), 163-73.
Tännsjö, T. (2005). Moral dimensions. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 331(7518), 689. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7518.689
Upton, H. (2011). Moral theory and theorizing in health care ethics. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 14(4), 431-443. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10677-011-9295-6