Topic 2: Evaluation of Ethical Models and the Ethics Committee
You identified an ethical dilemma in Discussion topic 1 of this unit. Present your dilemma to the ethics committee of your institution. Outline an ethical theory or model you wish the committee to consider when reviewing this case. What arguments do you have to support the use of this model? Discuss the role of the ethics committee in this particular ethical dilemma
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Introduction:
As a medical professor in charge of creating college assignments and evaluating student performance, I understand the importance of ethical considerations in the medical field. In this response, I will provide an answer to the content regarding the evaluation of ethical models and the role of an ethics committee in resolving an ethical dilemma.
Answer:
The ethical dilemma presented in Discussion topic 1 of this unit involves the decision of whether or not to disclose the medical condition of a patient to their family members without the patient’s consent. In this case, I would present the ethical theory of consequentialism to the ethics committee for consideration when reviewing this case. Consequentialism is a theory that evaluates the morality of an act based on its consequences. In this case, the committee would need to evaluate the potential harm that could arise from not disclosing the patient’s medical condition to their family members.
There are several arguments that support the use of consequentialism in this case. Firstly, the disclosure of the patient’s medical condition to their family members could lead to better outcomes for the patient’s overall well-being. Secondly, the harm caused by withholding such information could lead to mistrust in the medical system, and this could be detrimental to the patient and their family members.
The role of the ethics committee in this particular ethical dilemma is to review the case, evaluate the ethical considerations, and provide a recommendation on the appropriate course of action. The committee would need to consider the conflicting ethical principles of patient autonomy and beneficence, and weigh the potential harm of disclosing or withholding the patient’s medical condition.
In conclusion, the evaluation of ethical models and the role of the ethics committee are crucial in resolving ethical dilemmas in the medical field. In this case, the ethical theory of consequentialism highlights the importance of considering the consequences of our actions in making ethical decisions. The ethics committee plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of ethical considerations and providing guidance on the appropriate course of action.
