Blog # 5

For BLOG #5, think like an "interdisciplinary" ethics committee.  Chapter 10 contains information on Ethics Committees.  

Review the case below and adopt 2-3 roles (below) and develop a response to this case.  The perspective of each role you choose may look different.  For example, a CEO will respond differently than a physician than will a nurse.

Case for review:

Jimmy is an 11-year old boy who suffers from lymphoma.  His oncologist has indicated that without chemotherapy, he is likely to die within 6 months.  She has also indicated that in most cases, chemotherapy provides an effective cure in only 20 percent of cases like Jimmy’s; in most cases, chemotherapy produces at best an additional 3-6 month extension of life. 

Jimmy is also compromised by an incurable neurological disease.  This disease will eventually make it impossible for him to walk, talk or use his hands effectively.  Already, he speech is slurred and he cannot hold a pencil.  Even without lymphoma, the prognosis– because of the neurological disease– is death by the age of 18. 

Jimmy has been raised in a strong religious environment, and his belief in God has been an important comforting factor to him.  After having the facts fully explained to him, he has accepted his situation and the inevitability of his death at a young age.  He says he does not want the chemotherapy and that he is ready to “go to God.”  His parents, however, cannot reconcile themselves to losing Jimmy.  They want to override his decision/proceed with chemotherapy. 

Adopt 2-3 of these roles and develop a response to the case.  Include specific perspectives for each role you adopt:

- Administrator/CEO
- Physician
- Nurse
- Oncologist
- Social Worker
- Psychologist
- Clergy/Chaplain
- Community member
- Lawyer
- Ethicist
- Health Services Administration/Health Professions Undergraduate Student

I decided to adopt the roles of a nurse, physician, and a clergy/chaplain for this particular case.

Nurse: When I think about the nursing profession, I instantly think about the qualities/characteristics that encompasses that profession. Nurses are usually caring, compassionate, comforting, provide advocacy services, and the list is pretty much endless. In Jimmy’s case, the nurse can provide comfort for him and make sure his quality of life is good as he is dying. Although the situation is extremely sad, I think the nurse is strong enough to help Jimmy and his family transition and help comfort them during the end stage of his disease. The nurse can help the family understand why Jimmy is feeling that way and try to comfort them during their time of need.

Physician: As a physician, one has a lot of responsibilities (patient/medical) and patients/family look to them for answers as they are able to diagnose and treat diseases. In Jimmy’s case, I think the physician is able to reiterate Jimmy’s options but also advise the family that his wishes should be taken into consideration. The physician may feel as though respecting Jimmy’s wishes would be the best route to pick, ethically he may feel his parents requests to prolong his life his life has to be taken into account since Jimmy is a minor.  I think the physician can and should tell the parent’s that Jimmy’s quality of life is going to suffer tremendously has he has two active/detrimental diseases.

Clergy/Chaplain: The clergy or chaplain may be able to directly relate with Jimmy as his belief in God is directly impacting his decision to no longer seek treatment to prolong his life. Jimmy was raised in a strong religious environment and the clergy/chaplain will be able to address the family and help them understand life’s events as it relates to their spiritual and emotional well-being. The clergy/chaplain can comfort Jimmy and his family through prayer and reflection during this difficult time in life.