Hello once again!
Okay, you have done your analysis of alternative solutions – you are nearly there.
Now it’s time to make a decision regarding Mr. F’s case. The committee has decided to have each member argue his or her position individually in a report. Please decide which of the alternatives you believe to be the best solution, and prepare a case for it. We’ll ask each of your colleagues to do the same, so please do not collaborate to create a team report, though you may certainly continue to discuss the issue with your colleagues if you wish.
Your submission to the Committee:
Please prepare a report (double-spaced) that presents and defends your solution to Mr. F’s case. This paper should present detailed justifications for your position, based on your analysis of the information you’ve collected. If the Ethics Committee decides to accept your position, your paper will become the first draft of a policy proposal for the hospital in dealing with all future methadone patients needing a transplant.
Your paper should address the following concerns, though not necessarily in this order:
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What is the issue at stake?
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What are the key ethical principles surrounding this issue?
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What are the alternatives?
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What are the consequences of each of those alternatives?
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What is your position?
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What are the consequences of your position, both good and bad?
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Why is your solution the best solution?
You may ultimately decide you cannot take one specific position, but rather say, “It depends.” This is fine, as long as you specify what it depends upon. In other words, you may develop guidelines that offer several potential solutions depending upon a set of specifics about the case, which you must outline in your report. You should also note any questions to which you require answers before you can take a more definite stance, in case that becomes a problem for you.
I have attached a template to help you create your final report. I look forward to reviewing your ideas.
Sincerely,
Chris Jones, M.D.
Chair, Ethics Committee
Lincoln Regional Medical Center
