The case scenario provided presents a situation that entails an ethical dilemma. In this case, the decision made by the physician is expected to obey the ethical principles (least harm, justice, respect for autonomy, and beneficence). In the scenario, the physician can take two possible courses of action. First, he can choose to treat the child since the child has been diagnosed with meningitis and failure to act might have serious ramifications on the child’s health. Indeed, such consequences might be life-threatening. Secondly, the physician may choose not to treat the child in accordance with the will of the mother. If he chooses to treat the child, he will have violated the ethical principle of the respect for autonomy. In this case, he will have not respected the choice of the child’s mother who is opposed to the idea of treating the child. However, he will have acted in the best interest of the child. He will have also respected the choice of the child’s father. These illustrations show that none of the possible courses of action would observe all the ethical principles. Therefore, the physician is in a situation whereby a decision has to be made but none of the possible decisions will uphold all the ethical principles. Therefore, this situation constitutes an ethical dilemma.
The ethical decision-making model selected to analyze the case scenario provided is derived from the work of Corey, G., Corey, M., and Callanan (1998). This model is comprised of eight steps of decision-making process. Step 1 entails the identification of the problem. In this case, one should verify that the problem actually exists. Besides, the step entails establishing whether the problem is ethical, moral, legal, or clinical in nature. In other words, one must define the problem clearly. One should also consider whether it is necessary to consult or not.
Step 2 of the ethical decision-making model involves the identification of the potential issue involved. In this case, one has to evaluate the welfare, rights, and responsibilities of the people that might be affected by any decision made. One must also evaluate the actions that are most likely to minimize chances of causing harm to the client. In addition, the best way to promote the independence of the parties involved is also identified in this step. This is also the step where the choice is made on the issues to prioritize.
In step 3 of the decision-making model, the relevant ethical codes are reviewed. In this case, one analyses the codes to determine if they are in agreement with one’s values. One also examines the ethical codes to determine their clarity and level of specificity. Step 4 involves the identification of the specific laws and regulations that guide the issues involved. One must also find out the rules and regulations of the institution where one works.
In step 5, one starts the process of consultation. In this case, one should decide whom to consult. It is also advisable to anticipate the possible outcome of the consultation with a colleague or a supervisor. One should also choose the information that should be documented from the consultation. In the next step (step 6), one should consider all the possible course of action that one can take concerning the issue. In this case, one can devise a framework for analyzing the possible courses of action and how they conform to the necessary ethical obligations. Step 7 and 8 entail enumerating the consequences of various decisions and choosing what appears to be the best course of action respectively.
I would apply this model to solve the ethical dilemma in the case scenario provided. In this case, I would start by identifying and defining the problem. The problem in the case scenario has moral, ethical, and legal implications. The decisions made in this scenario can breech ethical or legal principles in various ways. For instance, failing to treat the child would breach the provision of the law that protects children against negligence from parents. Even though the law acknowledges various religious beliefs, it prohibits parents from endangering the lives of their children. Another problem is that any course of action taken is likely to violate the principle of respect for autonomy of either the mother or the father to the child.
After the identification of the problem, the next step is the identification of the potential issues involved. In the case scenario, several issues are involved. First, the child is still young and cannot give his consent. The mother is opposed to the idea of treating the child since she believes in faith healing. The child’s father, on the other hand, wants the child to be treated. The independence of the child’s mother can best be promoted by not treating the child and allowing her to seek faith healing instead. However, this could put the child’s life in danger. While taking these issues into consideration, I would review the laws and ethical codes related to the issue. Next, I would consult my supervisor and colleagues.in this case, I would focus on advices that pose the least harm as much as possible. Next, I would choose the best course of action to take. In this case, I would treat the child. Even though this action would violate the mother’s autonomy to determine the intervention given to her child, it causes the least harm to the child. The principle of protection of life takes priority over other ethical principles since it encompasses the attempts to save life (Kiser & Kiser, 2008; Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016).
References
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (1998). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. Pacific Grove, Calif: Brooks/Cole Publishing. Top of Form
Kiser, P. M., & Kiser, P. M. (2008). The human services internship: Getting the most from your experience. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.Bottom of FormTop of Form
Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment.
