Category / Case Studies / Medical Ethics / Right to Refuse
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![Pregnant belly.]()
Case Study – “You are Violating My HIPAA rights.” Patient Privacy
Skyler is a 33-year-old female, who is 38.5 weeks pregnant and came to the hospital in labor. When she presented to the hospital, Skyler was given the standard admission paperwork, and signed without any questions or issues (although was in considerable distress due to active labor and did not have anyone else at the hospital with her). The patient is relatively well known to the hospital, having presented several times due in fact to her history of drug and substance abuse.
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![Woman in fighting stance with fighting gear on.]()
Case Study – Continue to Fight? Patient Decision-Making Changes
Sarah is a 73-year-old individual who identifies as female and is suffering from metastatic colon cancer. While an inpatient, she is cared for by her longtime oncologist, hospitalists, and ultimately a critical care team. Initially Sarah has decision-making capacity, Sarah makes decisions with her family (husband and two adult children).
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![Man's legs sitting in wheelchair.]()
Case Study – Don’t Take My Foot! Surrogate Decision-Making
The patient, Lockett, is an 82-year-old male, admitted for shortness of breath and complications from his diabetes. Lockett has been diabetic for over 10 years and has not been following the treatment plan outlined by his physicians.
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![Older couple walking arm in arm on nature path.]()
Case Study – Maxine’s New Love and Decisional Capacity
The patient, Maxine, is an 88-year-old female, admitted due to shortness of breath and complications due to severe dementia. Maxine is well known at the hospital, having followed her for several years including the death of her husband, original dementia diagnosis, and monitoring of her progression.
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![A stream with a fishing person standing on the rocks.]()
Case Study – The Avid Outdoorsman and Quality of Life
The patient is a 45-year-old male with chronic cardiac issues. If the current standard continues, the patient is not expected to live past the next five years. It is recommended that the patient undergo a surgical procedure that will add several years to his life expectancy.
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The Case of Russell: Adults with Disabilities as Essential Partners in Their Healthcare
A man who went through many unfavorable health circumstances that result in him being an advocate for his health.
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The Case of Ginger: Autism and Blood Cancer Treatments
A 30-year-old woman, “Ginger,” is in the clinic, having been diagnosed several years ago with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, a blood disorder). There is a high chance that the disease will progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with lower chance of survival, so physicians had started chemotherapy.
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Case Study – Family Opposition to Organ Donation Despite First Person Consent
JD has not regained consciousness and is apt to remain permanently in a vegetative state. A decision is made to withdraw life support. Is organ donation a possibility?
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Ethics Committee Consortium
Ethics Committee Consortium The Ethics Committee Consortium is a collaborative effort of more than 20 healthcare organizations who meet on a regular basis to: Educate themselves to “do ethics” Develop and review hospital policies Consult on complex cases arising in the organization These activities have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce organizational risk.…
