Respond to the following “news clipping” related to virtue ethics. Write a 1-2 page essay addressing the discussion questions posed for the selected clipping. Adhere to current APA Style and cite all sources.
#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.
Source: Boodman, S.G. (2011). Kaiser Health News,The Washington Post. Pozgar, 4 th ed., p. 43
(integrity)
Assignment Discussion Questions
- Discuss the issues of integrity in this case.
- Should criminal charges be considered in this case, if accurately reported? Discuss your answer.
- Why did you choose to respond to this story?
- How is integrity displayed in your clinical setting?
You may use these and other outside sources to frame your discussion.
How to solve
University of Southern California Health & Medical Essay
Nursing Assignment Help
In the given news clipping, titled “Wrong Operation Doctor,” the issue of integrity in the medical field is brought to light. It discusses a case where a 15-year-old boy underwent a surgery on the wrong side of his brain, resulting in severe brain damage. The error was not disclosed to the boy’s parents for more than a year, and the hospital expressed regret and promised to prevent such a recurrence of mistakes. This incident raises several ethical questions and concerns.
1. Discuss the issues of integrity in this case.
The issue of integrity in this case is multifaceted. Firstly, the surgical team showed a lack of integrity by performing the operation on the wrong side of the brain. This reflects a failure in adhering to the fundamental ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, which require healthcare practitioners to act in the best interest of their patients and avoid causing harm. The failure to disclose the mistake for an extended period also indicates a lack of transparency and honesty, further compromising the integrity of the medical professionals involved.
2. Should criminal charges be considered in this case, if accurately reported? Discuss your answer.
Determining whether criminal charges should be considered in this case requires a careful assessment of the facts, professional standards, and local laws. While medical negligence and malpractice are typically addressed through civil legal channels, in extreme cases where gross negligence or intentional harm can be proven, criminal charges might be applicable. In this particular case, if it is accurately reported that the surgical team knowingly operated on the wrong side of the brain and intentionally withheld information, assessing possible criminal charges would be warranted. However, an objective investigation and legal consultation are essential to make a fair and just determination.
3. Why did you choose to respond to this story?
As a medical professional, responding to this story is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the critical role of ethics and integrity in healthcare. By discussing and analyzing the ethical issues raised, it helps promote awareness among medical students regarding the importance of upholding high ethical standards. Moreover, exploring real-life cases like this enables students to develop their critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and decision-making abilities. Lastly, by addressing this story, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue and efforts within the medical community to improve patient safety, ensure accountability, and prevent medical errors.
4. How is integrity displayed in your clinical setting?
Integrity is a foundational value in any clinical setting. In our clinical setting, integrity is displayed in various ways. Firstly, healthcare professionals adhere to ethical guidelines and practice standards, ensuring that patient care is at the forefront of their decisions. They maintain open and honest communication with patients and their families, providing them with comprehensive information about their condition, treatment options, and potential risks. Additionally, there is a culture of accountability, where mistakes are acknowledged, addressed, and learned from, rather than being concealed or ignored. This promotes transparency and fosters a sense of trust between healthcare professionals and patients.
In conclusion, the news clipping about the wrong operation raises significant concerns about integrity in healthcare. The lack of transparency, failure to prevent medical errors, and delayed disclosure of mistakes undermine the ethical principles that guide medical practice. Addressing the issues of integrity in this case is necessary to foster a culture of patient safety, accountability, and professionalism in the medical field.
