Organ Transplant Prioritization

Develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma(Organ Transplant Prioritization) faced by ahealth care professional by applying ethical principles. Describe the issues and a possiblesolution in a paper of 3-5 pages.

Case Study: Organ Transplant PrioritizationLila Rodriguez, a talented 29-year-old graphic designer, has been battling liver disease forseveral years. Her condition has recently deteriorated, and she now finds herself in dire need ofa liver transplant. Lila's vibrant spirit and determination to recover are evident to all who meether. However, her medical history reveals a struggle with substance abuse, particularly alcohol,which contributed to her current condition.Dr. Omar Khan, the transplant coordinator at Unity Health Hospital, is well-acquainted with Lila'scase. He's been impressed by her commitment to recovery, noting her active participation inrehabilitation programs and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over the past two years. However,he's also aware that the hospital's transplant committee might view her history of substanceabuse as a potential risk factor. The limited availability of donor organs means that thecommittee must prioritize recipients based on a set of criteria, including the likelihood of post-transplant success and the potential risk of organ rejection or failure.Dr. Khan is caught in an ethical quandary. The principle of justice demands that he ensures afair and unbiased allocation of the limited organ resources. Every patient on the transplant listhas a pressing need, and the criteria are designed to maximize the success rate of transplants.However, the principle of beneficence pushes Dr. Khan to advocate for the well-being of hispatient, Lila. He believes in her commitment to a healthier lifestyle post-transplant and feels shedeserves a chance at a new lease on life.

For this assignment, develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a healthcare professional. In your assessment:

  1. Summarize the facts in the selected case study and use the threecomponents of an ethical decision-making model to analyze an ethicalproblem or issue and the factors that contributed to it.

○ Identify which case study you selected and briefly summarizethe facts surrounding it. Identify the problem or issue thatpresents an ethical dilemma or challenge and describe thatdilemma or challenge.

○ Identify who is involved or affected by the ethical problem orissue.

○ Access the Ethical Decision-Making Model media piece anduse the three components of the ethical decision-makingmodel (moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethicalbehavior) to analyze the ethical issues.

■ Apply the three components outlined in the EthicalDecision-Making Model media.

○ Analyze the factors that contributed to the ethical problem orissue identified in the case study.

■ Describe the factors that contributed to theproblem or issue and explain how theycontributed.

  1. Apply academic peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to an ethicalproblem or issue as evidence to support an analysis of the case.
  2. Discuss the effectiveness of the communication approaches present in acase study.

○ Describe how the health care professional in the case studycommunicated with others.

○ Assess instances where the professional communicatedeffectively or ineffectively.

○ Explain which communication approaches should be used andwhich ones should be avoided.

○ Describe the consequences of using effective andnon-effective communication approaches.

  1. Discuss the effectiveness of the approach used by a professional to dealwith problems or issues involving ethical practice in a case study.

○ Describe the actions taken in response to the ethical dilemmaor issue presented in the case study.

○ Summarize how well the professional managed professionalresponsibilities and priorities to resolve the problem or issue inthe case.

○ Discuss the key lessons this case provides for health careprofessionals.

  1. Apply ethical principles to a possible solution to an ethical problem or issuedescribed in a case study.

○ Describe the proposed solution.○ Discuss how the approach makes this professional more

effective or less effective in building relationships acrossdisciplines within his or her organization.

○ Discuss how likely it is the proposed solution will fosterprofessional collaboration.

  1. Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar,punctuation, and mechanics.

○ Apply the principles of effective composition.○ Determine the proper application of the rules of grammar and

mechanics.7. Write using APA style for in-text citations, quotes, and references.

○ Determine the proper application of APA formattingrequirements and scholarly writing standards.

Full Answer Section

       

Moral Judgment: Dr. Khan must weigh the factors that contribute to a successful transplant, such as medical urgency, likelihood of compliance with post-transplant treatment, and overall prognosis. He must also consider the potential impact of his decision on Lila's life and the lives of other patients on the waiting list.

Ethical Behavior: Dr. Khan should advocate for Lila's case while remaining objective and transparent in his decision-making process. He should communicate openly with the transplant committee, explaining Lila's situation and the factors that support her candidacy. Additionally, he should support Lila's continued recovery and adherence to treatment plans.

Factors Contributing to the Ethical Dilemma:

  • Scarcity of Organs: The limited availability of donor organs creates a high demand and necessitates careful allocation decisions.
  • Patient History: Lila's history of substance abuse raises concerns about her potential compliance with post-transplant treatment and her long-term prognosis.
  • Ethical Principles: The tension between justice and beneficence creates a complex ethical dilemma.

Communication Strategies

Dr. Khan should communicate with Lila and her family openly and honestly, explaining the challenges and limitations of the transplant process. He should also involve the transplant committee in the decision-making process and actively advocate for Lila's case, emphasizing her positive progress and commitment to recovery.

Effective communication can help to build trust and alleviate anxiety. By providing clear and compassionate explanations, Dr. Khan can help Lila and her family understand the situation and cope with the uncertainty.

A Possible Solution

To address this ethical dilemma, Dr. Khan could propose a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of Lila's medical and psychosocial status, including her motivation, support system, and commitment to treatment.
  2. Risk Mitigation Strategies: Develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risks associated with her history of substance abuse, such as intensive monitoring and support.
  3. Ethical Consultation: Seek guidance from an ethics committee or medical ethics consultant to explore different perspectives and potential solutions.
  4. Advocacy and Education: Advocate for increased organ donation and public awareness campaigns to address the shortage of organs.

By carefully considering these factors and implementing a comprehensive approach, Dr. Khan can make a decision that aligns with ethical principles and maximizes the benefits for all patients.

Sample Answer

       

Ethical Dilemma: Prioritizing Organ Transplant Recipients

Summary of the Case

Lila Rodriguez, a 29-year-old with a history of substance abuse, requires a liver transplant. Dr. Khan faces an ethical dilemma: how to balance the principle of justice, which requires fair allocation of scarce resources, with the principle of beneficence, which prioritizes the well-being of individual patients.

Ethical Analysis

Moral Awareness: Dr. Khan is aware of the ethical implications of his decision. He recognizes the competing demands of justice and beneficence and the potential consequences of his choice.