Tampa Surgeon Dr. Floyd Legatron Mistakenly

1 Pageapa2 Sourcesa Tampa Surgeon Dr Floyd Legatron Mistakenly Remo

A Tampa surgeon, Dr. Floyd Legatron, mistakenly removed the wrong leg of a 52-year-old Jameson Kingsmith during an amputation procedure in June of 2009. Apparently, a chain of errors led to the mishap, and the surgical team even realized their error halfway into surgery, but by that time it was too late, and the leg had to be removed. You have the case details above. Answer the following ethical questions based on what you've learned to apply the Seven-Step Decision Model.

Be sure to adequately answer the following questions in detail: 1. Define the precise ethical issue. Is it a matter of fairness, justice, morality or rights? Or is it a combination of ethical issues? The ethical issue that the surgical team removed the wrong leg in an amputation because a chain of errors.

2. Identify the major principles. Is it a matter of integrity, quality, respect for others or profit?

3. Specify the alternatives. What course(s) of action do you believe should occur?

4. Comparable values and alternatives. What do you believe is the best course of action?

5. Assess the consequences for the patient, the doctor, and the organization. Identify short-term and long-term consequences.

6. Make a decision.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of Dr. Floyd Legatron mistakenly removing the wrong leg of Jameson Kingsmith highlights critical ethical issues within healthcare practice, primarily revolving around principles of patient safety, accountability, and professional integrity. The core ethical issue is a breach of patient rights and justice, as the patient was subjected to unnecessary harm due to a preventable error compounded by a chain of mistakes made by the surgical team. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to ethical standards that prioritize patient welfare above all and the necessity to uphold moral obligations to prevent harm through diligent and competent care.

The major principles involved include non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. Non-maleficence emphasizes the surgeon’s obligation to do no harm, which was notably violated in this instance. Beneficence requires acting in the patient's best interests, which was compromised by the surgical error. Respect for patient autonomy hinges on informed consent and honesty, which are undermined when errors occur. Justice pertains to fairness and equitable treatment, and in this context, the wrong leg amputation is a stark violation of justice, as the patient’s right to appropriate and correct care was not upheld.

Alternatives to address this issue encompass several actions: First, implementing rigorous intraoperative verification protocols, such as surgical timeouts and checklists, to prevent such errors. Second, providing transparent communication with the patient about the mistake, including apologies and information about corrective steps. Third, instituting institutional reviews and training that focus on safety and error prevention. Additionally, ensuring legal compliance through proper documentation and potential compensation can serve as avenues for ethical remediation. The healthcare team should also engage in a thorough root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

Among the course of action options, the most ethically sound approach involves a combination of immediate transparency to the patient, corrective procedures to prevent future errors, and accountability from the surgical team and institution. It is essential to prioritize patient welfare by acknowledging the mistake openly, providing appropriate medical and psychological support, and enacting systemic changes to enforce safety protocols. This approach balances respect for patient rights with the responsibility of healthcare providers to maintain integrity and uphold professional standards.

The consequences for the patient include psychological trauma, loss of trust in healthcare, potential physical disabilities, and increased anxiety and distress. In the short term, the patient may encounter emotional and physical rehabilitation challenges, while long-term effects could involve ongoing mental health issues and potential medical malpractice claims. For the doctor, there are implications of professional accountability, potential legal litigation, and damage to reputation. The healthcare organization faces legal repercussions, potential loss of trust from the community, and the financial costs associated with legal liabilities and system review implementations.

In conclusion, this incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols, transparent communication, and moral accountability in healthcare. Ensuring that such errors are minimized requires not only adherence to procedural checklists but also fostering a culture of honesty, continuous education, and systemic safety improvements. This case exemplifies the need for healthcare providers to unwaveringly prioritize patient safety and uphold ethical standards. The tragic mistake by Dr. Legatron serves as a stark reminder of the profound ethical responsibilities inherent in medical practice, emphasizing that prevention, transparency, and accountability are essential to restoring trust and ensuring quality care.

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