Ethical Decision-Making Model

Ethical Decision-Making Model

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Ethical Decision-Making Model

The ethical Dilemma

In the scenario presented, the attending physician is faced with a dilemma on whether to go ahead and treat the child or follow the mother’s belief. This is a complicated situation as the physician has also to consider the wishes of the parents since the child is below 18 years. The model described below can be used to resolve this dilemma.

Description of the Model chosen

Given that it may not always be possible to solve ethical dilemmas in nursing by purely applying the set codes of ethics, it is useful to adopt a framework for practical situation analysis and sound decision-making. The following l decision-making model is derived from the work of Corey et al. (1998). It is an eight-step model as described below.

Step One: Identify the problem

Here, a medical practitioner needs to collect as much information as possible that will help illuminate the situation. By doing so, it is of importance to be as objective and precise as possible. Noting down the ideas on a piece of paper may assist one to gain clarity. One is required to highlight the facts, separating hypothesis, suspicions, or innuendos. There are number of questions one can ask himself/herself: Is it professional, legal, ethical, or clinical problem? Is it a combination of all of these? If there exists a legal question, one needs to seek for legal advice. One also need to ask whether he or she is doing the right thing. It is important for one to remember that ethical dilemmas he or she faces are usually complex in nature. So the most helpful guideline is to examine the situation from multiple perspectives.  

Step Two: Determine the Dimensions and nature of the Dilemma

There are many ways to follow for one to ensure that he or she has adequately examined the situation all dimensions. One needs to consider the moral principles of beneficence, fidelity, autonomy, and justice. Decide which of the principles to apply depending upon the situation.  The principle, which takes the priority is then chosen for the case. Theoretically, each of the principles has equal value. This means that it is one's challenge to determine the priority in the event of a conflict between two or more of them.

Step Three: Review the relevant ethical guidelines

After determining the nature of the dilemma, one needs to refer to the set codes of ethics to see if the situation is addressed there. If there exist clear standards on how the situation should be approached, then one’s course of action should be guided by the set standards. To apply the standards effectively, it is important that one has carefully read and understood them. If the situation is complex and the solution doesn’t seem apparent, then one has to proceed with further steps.