Bioethics

How to identify a dilemma  Dilemma: exists when there is no “right” course of action in a certain situation but, instead, several options, none of which are wholly acceptable.

Right or Wrong  Not every bioethical case study presents a dilemma; many times the possible courses of action are clearly right or wrong.

Is this a dilemma? Why or why not?  Assume that a patient with a certain condition would be an appropriate candidate for a drug research study. The patient’s physician places her on this drug without getting her permission.

Is this a dilemma? Why or why not?  Assume that the patient in the previous slide has been given all the information she needs to make a decision. She is told that the drug has the potential to help her but might also have harmful side effects. She sees benefits and costs regardless of which decision she makes.

Next Step: Formulate a Question  What question or questions should be asked in the last scenario to identify the problem?

Read the example case of Frank & Martin 1. Identify the question:  Think of questions that start with “Should….  List as many questions as you can and choose 1 question for analysis.

2. Identify the Issue  What general problem does the case demonstrate?  Cheating  School rules  Cloning animals  This will help you find additional information on the topic!

3. State the Facts of Case  Facts only---  How do we differentiate between facts, conclusions, and inferences?  Synonym for fact is EVIDENCE.

4. List Possible Decisions  What are the possible answers to the questions you’re addressing?  Think of as many answers as possible!  Do not worry about which answer is best!

5. Gather Additional Information  You should be as well informed as possible before you make an ethical decision.

6. Pick a Decision to Support  You must have a reason for the option you choose, not just an opinion.  Your reasons should be related to one of the principles listed on the first page of your lab!  Refer to some of the example decisions on p. 561 of your lab.

7. Identify Guiding Principle  Refer to the major & secondary ethical principles on the first page of your lab.  You can only choose one major and one secondary! Not everyone will choose the same principle!  You need to be able to justify why you have chosen one principle and why you are willing to breach the alternative principle(s).

8. Identify Supporting Authority  What experts or authorities would back up this position on the case?  Examples:  Hippocratic Oath (code of ethics)  American Medical Association Code of Ethics  American Hospital Association’s Bill of Rights for Patients  American Nursing Code of Ethics  Nuremberg and Helsinki statements

9. Formulate Rebuttal  Under what circumstances would you change your decision about what to do?  What if Frank were taking a different test?  What if he had permission to have a note card?  What if the note card was actually an appointment slip that Frank was checking to be sure he was on time for his appointment?

10. State Level of Confidence  Formulate a one or two word statement to describe how strongly you believe your own argument.  Typically, if a rebuttal is highly unlikely, the argument is strong.  Moderately confident  Absolutely confident  Questionably confident  Strongly confident

11. Box Up the Case  Use the template provided to organize your case.

12. Prepare Argument  Write up your arguments using the boxed-up case as an outline to structure your paper.  Paper should be understood by someone unfamiliar with the original case.  You should explain more in the paper than the box can show (supporting details).