Decision Making by a Healthcare Leader in Case of an Ethical Dilemma

Ethical Analysis

Memo on a Ethical Analysis

____, Student

____ (due date)

Re:

Decision making by a Healthcare Leader in case of an Ethical Dilemma

in an interview of my health care administrator of the long care health facility where I work, I asked, "How do you make a wise decision in a situation relating to an ethical dilemma?"

Response:

Description of the Answer

It seemed like my question took the administrator by surprise perhaps he did not expect such a question when I requested for an interview. However, he looked composed and amused by my question. Confidently and leaning a little bit forward and supporting his hands on his desk, he responded. He first pointed out the numerous occasions when ethical dilemmas were evident in his health care administration career at the health facility. He said that he learnt over time through many experiences and a little consultation and research on how such issues have been handled in the past by other health care leaders.

First, he said that in dealing with a dilemma in his practice, he would get composed and avoid panicking, and then define the ethical conflict or issue confronting him. Then, he continued to say that he would identify external or internal factors that may influence the decision he is bound to make, in any way. The factors may be political, legal, economic, or social in nature (Forester-Miller & Davis, 1996). After the two steps, he would then search for some key values in the dilemma and identify the people who will be victims of the decision made. At this stage, the administrator then affirmed that he would consult the health care code of ethics and apply his obligation to each of the victim. Thereafter, in his next step, the administrator said that he would identify ethical principles to direct his process of decision making, after which he would make a decision on the dilemma and justify that decision (Forester-Miller & Davis, 1996).

The administrator then leaned back on his seat in a relaxed posture and affirmed that that was what he had learnt to do in responding to dilemmas. He then assured that it has worked for him over time in such a fragile position he held at the time.

Two: Identification of the ethical reasoning

The administrator's response illustrates the virtue ethics theory. The nature of his decision is based on the prevailing values that he observes in the dilemma confronting him. He considers the values in reference to the people who are likely to suffer courtesy of his decision in the ethical dilemma. The administrator seems to have a society at heart, and that is why he considers them in his decision-making process. Therefore, the present values and the victims of his decision will likely influence his decision as he thinks through the professional code of ethics and the ethical principles.

Three: Description of work of one Ethical theorist and its relationship to the administrator's decision-making process