Write A 350-700 Word Essay Citing At Least One Reference
Write A 350 700 Word Essay Citing At Least One Reference Based On
Write a 350 – 700 word essay, citing at least one reference, based on the case and questions below. A Tampa surgeon, Dr. Floyd Legatron, mistakenly removed the wrong leg of 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 applying the Seven-Step Decision Model. Be sure to answer the following: Define the precise ethical issue. Is it a matter of fairness, justice, morality or rights? Or is it a combination of ethical issues? Identify the major principles. Is it a matter of integrity, quality, respect for others or profit? Specify the alternatives. What course(s) of action do you believe should occur? Compare values and alternatives. What do you believe is the best course of action? Assess the consequences for the patient, the doctor, and the organization. Identify short-term and long-term consequences.
Paper For Above instruction
The case of Dr. Floyd Legatron’s wrongful amputation of Jameson Kingsmith’s leg highlights profound ethical concerns rooted in patient safety, professional integrity, and organizational accountability. Applying a structured ethical decision-making framework, such as the Seven-Step Decision Model, enables a systematic analysis of the moral, professional, and institutional issues involved. This essay will outline the ethical problem, consider relevant principles, evaluate alternatives, and analyze potential consequences to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Defining the Ethical Issue
The core ethical issue in this case is a violation of patient safety and medical malpractice, which raises questions about the ethical obligations of the healthcare provider. Specifically, the question is whether the surgeon and surgical team acted with due diligence, honesty, and respect for the patient’s rights. The mistake also involves a breach of trust in the physician-patient relationship, emphasizing issues of justice—particularly rectifying the wrong and ensuring fair treatment. This incident combines elements of morality—doing no harm—and rights—patient’s right to safe, competent medical care.
Major Principles Involved
The principal principles in this scenario include nonmaleficence (do no harm), beneficence (acting in the patient’s best interest), autonomy (respecting patient rights), and justice (fairness in treatment). These principles collectively demand that healthcare providers avoid preventable errors and prioritize the patient’s well-being. Integrity, respect for others, and organizational accountability are also central, emphasizing honesty, transparency, and systemic responsibility to prevent such errors.
Alternatives and Course of Action
Several alternatives exist for addressing this ethical breach. The organization should initiate a thorough investigation into the mistake, identify systemic failures, and disclose the error transparently to the patient and family. Corrective measures could include implementing more rigorous surgical safety protocols, checklists, and staff training. From an immediate standpoint, the surgeon should issue a formal apology, accept accountability, and ensure that the patient receives appropriate medical and psychological support.
Long-term, the organization should foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, perhaps through accreditation standards and peer review. Legally, the hospital and surgeon may need to participate in compensation or restitution processes for the wrongful harm done. Ethically, honesty and transparency are paramount, even if they lead to reputational or legal repercussions.
Comparison of Values and Best Course of Action
The most ethically sound course of action involves acknowledgment of the mistake, comprehensive disclosure to the patient, and implementation of systemic safeguards to prevent recurrence. Prioritizing patient safety and organizational integrity aligns with core ethical principles, outweighing considerations of fear of reputational damage. Transparency demonstrates respect for the patient’s rights and commitment to justice. Alternative options, such as concealing or minimizing the mistake, would violate these principles and erode trust.
Assessment of Consequences
In the short term, the patient endures physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, alongside potential legal action. For the surgeon and healthcare team, consequences include reputational harm, potential disciplinary action, and legal liability. The organization faces scrutiny, possible lawsuits, and the need to overhaul safety protocols. In the long term, embracing transparency and improving safety protocols can restore trust, reduce future errors, and promote a culture of ethical healthcare delivery. Conversely, concealment or negligence could diminish public confidence and result in ongoing harm to patients and reputation.
Conclusion
Applying the Seven-Step Decision Model highlights the critical importance of ethical responsibility in healthcare. In the case of Dr. Legatron, prioritizing transparency, systemic improvements, and patient-centered care is essential to uphold fundamental moral principles and restore trust. Hospitals and practitioners must embed ethical standards into organizational culture, ensuring mistakes are openly acknowledged and rectified, ultimately fostering safer and more ethical patient care.
References
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Fletcher, R. (2018). Medical ethics: Principles and practice. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(3), 155-161.
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- Jonsen, A. R., Siegler, M., & Winslade, W. J. (2010). Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Reamer, F. G. (2013). Ethical standards for social workers. National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
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- World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects.
- Zimmerman, J. A. (2017). Protecting patient rights: Legal and ethical considerations. Healthcare Law Journal, 12(2), 99-112.
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