Develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional.
Assessment 03 – Applying Ethical Principles
For this assessment, you will develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health care professional. Before you complete the instructions detailed in the courseroom, first select one of the ethical dilemmas below to be the focus of your assessment. After you have selected one of the ethical dilemmas from below, return to the detailed instructions in the courseroom to complete your assessment.
Case Study: Organ Transplant Prioritization
Lila Rodriguez, a talented 29-year-old graphic designer, has been battling liver disease for several years. Her condition has recently deteriorated, and she now finds herself in dire need of a liver transplant. Lila’s vibrant spirit and determination to recover are evident to all who meet her. However, her medical history reveals a struggle with substance abuse, particularly alcohol, which contributed to her current condition. Dr. Omar Khan, the transplant coordinator at Unity Health Hospital, is well-acquainted with Lila’s case. He’s been impressed by her commitment to recovery, noting her active participation in rehabilitation programs and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over the past two years. However, he’s also aware that the hospital’s transplant committee might view her history of substance abuse as a potential risk factor. The limited availability of donor organs means that the committee must prioritize recipients based on a set of criteria, including the likelihood of post-transplant success and the potential risk of organ rejection or failure. Dr. Khan is caught in an ethical quandary. The principle of justice demands that he ensures a fair and unbiased allocation of the limited organ resources. Every patient on the transplant list has a pressing need, and the criteria are designed to maximize the success rate of transplants. However, the principle of beneficence pushes Dr. Khan to advocate for the well-being of his
patient, Lila. He believes in her commitment to a healthier lifestyle post-transplant and feels she
deserves a chance at a new lease on life.
Case Study: Organ Transplant Prioritization
Lila Rodriguez, a talented 29-year-old graphic designer, has been battling liver disease for several years. Her condition has recently deteriorated, and she now finds herself in dire need of a liver transplant. Lila’s vibrant spirit and determination to recover are evident to all who meet her. However, her medical history reveals a struggle with substance abuse, particularly alcohol, which contributed to her current condition. Dr. Omar Khan, the transplant coordinator at Unity Health Hospital, is well-acquainted with Lila’s case. He’s been impressed by her commitment to recovery, noting her active participation in rehabilitation programs and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over the past two years. However, he’s also aware that the hospital’s transplant committee might view her history of substance abuse as a potential risk factor. The limited availability of donor organs means that the committee must prioritize recipients based on a set of criteria, including the likelihood of post-transplant success and the potential risk of organ rejection or failure. Dr. Khan is caught in an ethical quandary. The principle of justice demands that he ensures a fair and unbiased allocation of the limited organ resources. Every patient on the transplant list has a pressing need, and the criteria are designed to maximize the success rate of transplants. However, the principle of beneficence pushes Dr. Khan to advocate for the well-being of his
patient, Lila. He believes in her commitment to a healthier lifestyle post-transplant and feels she
deserves a chance at a new lease on life.
