Virtue Ethics EssayRespond to one of the following three “news clippings” related to virtue ethics. Write a 2 page essay addressing the discussion questions posed for the one you selected. Be sure to clearly identify the news clipping you selected.#1 Wrong Operation Doctor (ethics and integrity) Hospitals find it hard to protect patients from wrong-site surgery. Last year a jury returned a $20 million negligence verdict against Arkansas Children’s Hospital for surgery performed on the wrong side of the brain of a 15-year-old boy who was left psychotic and severely brain damaged. Testimony showed that the error was not disclosed to his parents for more than a year. The hospital issued a statement saying it deeply regretted the error and had “redoubled our efforts to prevent” a recurrence. So, what happened? “Health care has far too little accountability for results … . All the pressures are on the side of production; that’s how you get paid,” said Peter Pronovost, a prominent safety expert and medical director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Innovation in Quality Patient Care. He added that increased pressure to quickly turn over operating rooms has trumped patient safety, increasing the chance of error. Kenneth W. Kizer, who coined the term “never event” nearly a decade ago when he headed the National Quality Forum, a leading patient safety organization, said he believes reducing the number of errors will require tougher reporting rules and increased transparency.
Assignment Discussion Questions
1. Discuss the issues of integrity in this case.
2. Should criminal charges be considered in this case, if accurately reported? Discuss your answer.
3. Why did you choose to respond to this story?
4. How is integrity displayed in your clinical setting?
#2 Cheney’s Staff Cuts Testimony on Warming (Health care, Politics, and Trust) The players and the politicians: Dick Cheney former Vice President of the United States, Jason K. Burnett former EPA deputy associate administrator, and Julie L. Gerberding, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jason K. Burnett, former EPA deputy associate administrator, said In a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), that last October an official from Cheney’s office ordered six pages to be edited out of the testimony of Julie L. Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gerberding had planned to say that the “CDC considers climate change a serious public health concern.”
Assignment Discussion Questions
1. Discuss how headlines such as this affect your opinion of politicians.
2. At the end of our days, the most basic principles of life–trust and survival–are on trial. What is your verdict, if you believe there was a cover-up?.
3. Why did you choose to respond to this story?
4. How are government and political trust displayed in your clinical setting?
#3 Surgeon Uses Ministry in Medical Practice (Health care and religion) DALLAS–At 83, Carl Smith faced quadruple bypass surgery and the real possibility that he might not survive. Within hours on this spring morning, Dr. Daniel Pool would temporarily bring Smith’s heart to a stop in an attempt to circumvent its blocked passages. And to help his patient confront the uncertainty, Pool did something unusual in his profession: He prayed with him. The power of healing: Medicine and religion have had their day, and they haven’t always been able to coexist. But as today’s medical treatment becomes more holistic, doctors are increasingly taking spirituality into account.
Assignment Discussion Questions
1. Discuss the pressure, if any, placed on the patient to responding to the suggestion of prayer prior to surgery.
2. Describe how you, as the surgeon, or nurse, would address a patient’s religious or spiritual needs if the risks of a complex surgical procedure appear to be threatening.
3. Why did you choose to respond to this story?
4. How is religion or faith displayed in your clinical setting?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this essay, we will be addressing the discussion questions related to the news clipping titled “Wrong Operation Doctor” regarding ethics and integrity in healthcare. We will analyze the issues of integrity in this case, discuss whether criminal charges should be considered, explain the reason for selecting this story, and examine how integrity is displayed in a clinical setting.
1. Discuss the issues of integrity in this case.
The case of the wrong operation doctor raises significant concerns regarding integrity in healthcare. Integrity encompasses adherence to ethical principles, honesty, and professionalism. In this case, the lack of integrity is evident in several aspects. Firstly, the surgical error itself demonstrates a failure to uphold patient safety and provide quality care. Transparency is crucial, yet the error was not disclosed to the patient’s parents for over a year, indicating a lack of integrity in communication.
Secondly, the statement issued by the hospital expressing regret and emphasizing efforts to prevent recurrence suggests a recognition of the lack of integrity in this case. The pressures for production and financial considerations seem to have overridden patient safety, indicating a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. Upholding integrity would involve prioritizing patient welfare over productivity and ensuring accountability for errors.
2. Should criminal charges be considered in this case, if accurately reported? Discuss your answer.
Determining the need for criminal charges requires a thorough investigation and assessment of the situation. If the reported facts are accurate, a case could be made for considering criminal charges. Performing the wrong operation, resulting in severe brain damage and long-term psychological consequences, indicates a gross breach of professional responsibility. The harm caused in this case is significant, and it is essential to hold accountable those responsible for such actions.
However, it is crucial to consider the specific circumstances, the intent of the surgeon, and any underlying systemic issues that contributed to the error. Legal actions should aim to establish justice, ensure patient safety, and prevent similar incidents in the future. Simultaneously, addressing the root causes and implementing comprehensive measures to improve patient safety should be prioritized to prevent such errors.
3. Why did you choose to respond to this story?
The story of the wrong operation doctor was chosen for its relevance to ethics and integrity in healthcare. It highlights the critical issue of maintaining professional standards and ensuring patient safety. This case raises important questions about accountability, transparency, and the balance between production pressures and patient well-being. It provides an opportunity to reflect upon the ethical responsibilities inherent in the medical profession and the need for continuous improvement in healthcare systems.
4. How is integrity displayed in your clinical setting?
In our clinical setting, integrity is displayed through various actions and behaviors. Firstly, maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy demonstrates a commitment to ethical standards. Healthcare professionals must respect patients’ autonomy and ensure that their personal information is safeguarded.
Secondly, effective communication with patients, their families, and other healthcare team members is essential for building trust and ensuring transparency. Honest discussions about diagnoses, treatment options, and potential risks contribute to shared decision-making and promote integrity.
Finally, the adherence to professional codes of conduct, maintaining competence through continuous education, and reporting any errors or adverse events are key aspects of integrity. By consistently following ethical guidelines and striving for excellence in patient care, healthcare professionals uphold integrity in the clinical setting.
Conclusion:
The case of the wrong operation doctor highlights the importance of integrity in healthcare and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals. Upholding integrity involves prioritizing patient safety, transparency, and accountability. In our clinical setting, integrity is displayed through actions such as maintaining patient confidentiality, effective communication, and adherence to professional codes of conduct. Addressing the issues raised in this case and continuously improving healthcare systems are crucial steps towards ensuring the highest level of ethical integrity in medical practice.
