Health Care Ethics Recommendation

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As a health care manager, you are included in the ethics committee. There has been a new case brought before the committee for your review and recommendation. You will be responsible for reviewing the facts and providing a written response to the committee with your recommendations. This process will allow you the opportunity to analyze the health care manager’s role in ethical decision-making in a health care ethics case.

Preparing for the Assessment
Read the Ethics Committee Case Study & Consideration Questions.
Review the questions to consider when reviewing an ethical dilemma.
Review the Ethical Decision Models & Problem-Solving Methodologies.
Assessment Deliverable
Write an 875- to 1,225-word response to the ethical committee regarding your recommendation as a health care manager presented with this case. In your response, you should:

Identify the major stakeholders in the case.
Identify the ultimate decisions makers (e.g., medical team, parents, etc.) in the case.
Explain Baby Bundle’s rights in this case.
Describe the ethical theories or principles that pertain to the case.
Analyze your role as a health care manager in this ethics committee decision.

Sample Solution

Response to the Ethics Committee Regarding Baby Bundle’s Case

Introduction

I am writing to the ethics committee regarding the case of Baby Bundle, a newborn with a critical congenital heart defect (CHD). This response outlines my analysis of the case, identifies the stakeholders and decision-makers, Baby Bundle’s rights, relevant ethical theories, and my role as a healthcare manager in this complex ethical dilemma.

Stakeholders

  • Baby Bundle: The infant at the center of the case, with the right to life and healthcare.
  • Baby Bundle’s Parents: Their decisions significantly impact Baby Bundle’s care.
  • Medical Team: Physicians, nurses, and specialists responsible for Baby Bundle’s treatment and well-being.
  • Hospital Administration: Responsible for resource allocation and ensuring ethical healthcare practices.
  • The Ethics Committee: Charged with providing guidance on ethical dilemmas.

Decision-Makers

Ultimately, the decision regarding Baby Bundle’s treatment rests with Baby Bundle’s parents. However, the medical team plays a crucial role in providing information, outlining treatment options, risks, and potential benefits. The ethics committee can offer guidance and support as the parents navigate this difficult decision.

Baby Bundle’s Rights

  • Right to Life: A fundamental right, even for critically ill newborns.
  • Right to Healthcare: Baby Bundle deserves access to appropriate medical care to the best of available resources.
  • Right to Autonomy (Limited): As a newborn, Baby Bundle cannot exercise full autonomy. However, the parents’ decisions should respect the best interests of the child.

Ethical Theories

Several ethical theories are relevant to this case:

  • Utilitarianism: This theory focuses on maximizing overall well-being. The committee should consider the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option for Baby Bundle and the emotional well-being of the parents.
  • Deontological Ethics: This theory emphasizes duty and following moral principles. The committee and medical team have a duty to act in Baby Bundle’s best interests and provide honest information to the parents.
  • Autonomy-Based Ethics: This theory respects individual autonomy in decision-making. The parents have the right to choose Baby Bundle’s treatment path, but this right comes with the responsibility to consider the child’s well-being.
  • Justice: This principle emphasizes fairness and equitable access to healthcare. The committee should ensure Baby Bundle receives appropriate care, regardless of resource limitations.

Analysis of My Role as a Healthcare Manager

As a healthcare manager on the ethics committee, my role is to:

  • Facilitate Discussion: I can guide the committee through a structured discussion, ensuring all perspectives are heard and relevant ethical principles are considered.
  • Provide Information: I can present information on Baby Bundle’s condition, treatment options, associated risks and benefits, and potential resource implications.
  • Uphold Ethical Standards: I have a responsibility to ensure the committee’s decision-making adheres to established ethical principles and hospital policies.
  • Support Decision-Making: While I cannot make the final decision, I can support the parents and medical team by offering guidance and addressing any concerns they may have.
  • Resource Allocation: I may need to consider the resource implications of different treatment options and ensure fairness in resource allocation within the hospital.

Recommendation

Due to the limited information provided, a definitive recommendation cannot be made at this stage. However, I propose the following steps:

  1. Gather Additional Information: Collect detailed medical records, consult with specialists from various disciplines, and understand the full range of treatment options and their potential outcomes.
  2. Present Information to Parents: The medical team should provide a clear and comprehensive explanation of Baby Bundle’s condition, treatment options, associated risks and benefits, and long-term prognosis in an unbiased manner.
  3. Support Parental Decision-Making: The ethics committee and medical team can offer emotional support and guidance to the parents as they navigate this challenging decision.
  4. Ensure Resource Availability: The hospital administration should ensure the resources necessary for the chosen treatment plan are available.
  5. Respect Parental Autonomy: Ultimately, the decision regarding Baby Bundle’s treatment should be made by the parents, informed by all available medical information and ethical considerations.

Conclusion

Baby Bundle’s case presents a complex ethical dilemma. By carefully considering the various stakeholders, decision-makers, Baby Bundle’s rights, relevant ethical theories, and the roles of the healthcare team and ethics committee, a well-informed and ethically sound decision can be reached. The focus should be on ensuring Baby Bundle receives the best possible care while respecting the autonomy and well-being of both the child and the parents.

 

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