Case Study:
Elsie Lee, 88 years old had recently moved to a Residential Aged Care Facility (RAC). She had difficulty mobilising due to severe rheumatoid arthritis as well as short-term memory and vision impairment. Elsie also had a history of AMI, removal of bilateral cataracts, and a (L) hip replacement four years ago. On admission to the RAC facility, on Tuesday afternoon, the Nurse Manager suggested that Elsie consider making out an advanced care directive (ACD), indicating what she would want done in the event that her health should deteriorate. Elsie agreed and awaited the help of her family when they visited on Sunday. She was pleased to have this opportunity as, although she had discussed her wishes with her family, she wanted to make it clear to staff caring for her that she did not want aggressive treatment of any kind and did not want to be resuscitated. On Friday night, Elsie developed severe chest pain which radiated down her (L) shoulder, an irregular pulse and a BP of 73/48 and the RN on duty called the ambulance. Elsie pleaded with the paramedics to leave her ‘as she was’; the R.N. insisted that they transport Elsie to hospital as she had not filled out an ACD indicating otherwise. In transit to the hospital, Elsie suffered a cardiac arrest. The paramedics attempted resuscitation but were unsuccessful. On arrival to the ED, Elsie was pronounced dead. Her family determined that Elsie’s death was brought on by the stress of being moved to hospital. They decided to sue the R.N., the paramedics and the RAC facility for assault and battery.
1.Determine the stakeholders including two health care professionals in the case scenario;
2 Differentiate the ethical and legal conflicts and explain them from the following perspectives:
The dignity and rights of all stakeholders in this case
The principles and virtues of health care ethics that inform professional practice
The relevant codes of ethics and/or codes of professional conduct
.Propose a legally and ethically defensible resolution to these conflicts.
RUBRIC:
Focus and Introductory Statement
The ethical dilemma and the two professional groups are presented in the introduction-
There is a clear introduction that outlines the topic, and contextualises and profiles the scope, content and the sequence of the essay topic.
Sequencing
Logical sequencing of ideas and overall flow of the essay as a
professional piece of work.- The content in the essay matches the outline presented in the introductory paragraph. Paragraphs are organised in a logical manner so that content flows from one paragraph to the next, and the essay ends with a rational conclusion
Closing Paragraph/ Conclusion
The ethical dilemma and the two professional groups are presented in the conclusion.- There is a concluding paragraph which restates the topic, provides a summary which connects all of the key points, and presents an overall conclusion.
Content, Evidence and Examples
Self-directed research from relevant contemporary academic journals
and other professional literature.- The content is relevant to the topic as described in the assessment descriptor. High quality evidence and examples are presented.
Critical Thinking, Reasoning and Evaluation of the Evidence
Presents evidence with direct connection and citation of the selected two professions in the scenario. Moves critical reasoning and understandings to a higher level, beyond simple citations.- Critical thinking is at an advanced level. An ethical and interprofessional argument is presented, and is supported by adequate and appropriate evidence.
Structuring an Argument
Articulation of a critical argumentusing ethical theory and professional
frameworks relevant to both professions– including comparisons/differences-A clear, well-constructed and balanced ethical and interprofessional argument has been presented
Sources and Referencing
Evidence of quality evidence based resources taken from unit outline/
unit resources and independent research. Presents in accordance
with APA referencing-
Credible and relevant references are used. Accurate use of APA 6 th edition referencing style on all occasions. A range of in-text citations has been used.
Mechanics - Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
English written expression follows conventions of academic written
expression.- There are no errors with grammar, spelling and punctuation, and the meaning is easily discernible