Hello again,

I trust after reviewing the articles and thinking a bit more deeply you are feeling a bit more up to speed on the ethical principles and societal issues surrounding Mr. F’s case. 

Next Steps
Now we need to list out the alternative actions we could choose. I’d like you and your colleagues to prepare at least three alternative solutions to Mr. F’s case. Ideally, these alternatives will include the two extreme positions (e.g. doing something, doing nothing) and at least one conditional alternative. Please use the attached template to submit your ideas.

At this point, I’m not asking you to make a decision about which course of action you believe to be the best one. Rather, I’m requesting that you present multiple options, carefully framed to explain each solution and the potential consequences of that course of action. For each alternative solution, please be certain to consider the following:

• Whom does this solution affect—both negatively and positively?

• How does the solution address the ethical principle you identified in your earlier work?

• What are the consequences of this solution—both negative and positive?

Again, remember that while right now you are working toward a decision about a particular patient, ultimately the decision will set a precedent for future patients at our facility.  It is important to take into account all of the aspects of how our decision will affect the hospital, our patients, our doctors, the donors, the families of both the patient and the donor, and the community at large. 

I trust that by examining these alternative solutions, we’ll ensure that we on the committee have carefully considered every aspect of this case before making our final decision. I look forward to reviewing your ideas.

Thank you,
Chris Jones, M.D.
Chair, Ethics Committee
Lincoln Regional Medical Center