Empirical and theoretical probability in healthcare decision-making

Healthcare/Statistics/Human Resources Leadership

Unit 3-Assignment Details: Statistic

Empirical probability of an occurrence is essentially an estimate that this occurrence will take place on the basis of how frequent the occurrence takes place subsequent to the collection of data or conducting an experiment. Empirical probability is grounded distinctively on direct observations or experiences. On the other hand, theoretical probability of an occurrence is the number of ways that the occurrence can take place divided by the total number of outcomes. In other words, it is trying to find the probability of occurrences that emanate from a sample space of known equally probable outcomes (Anastas, 1999). The law of large numbers is considered to be one of the main theories of probability and asserts that the sample mean converges to the distribution mean as the sample size rises. The law of large numbers offers a clarification on the manner in which empirical and theoretical probability are correlated. The law states that as the number of trials rises, empirical probability estimates theoretical probability and sample statistics will more meticulously bear a resemblance to population parameters. These estimates get nearer and nearer as the number of trials, occasions, or cases contributing to the calculation of an empirical probability gets bigger and bigger (Anastas, 1999).

In other words, despite the fact that any one empirical probability might vary from the theoretical probability for an occurrence, the average of a number if empirical trials will more closely mirror the theoretical probability of an event for one trial possibly will. However, it is imperative to take note that the law of large numbers takes into consideration what takes place over the long run. For instance, if a coin is flipped about 100 times, chances are approximately 50% of the times it will turn out to be heads. However, flipping the coin twice does not necessarily give such probabilities (Anastas, 1999).

3. Assignment Details: Leadership in Healthcare

Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is a topic that has been largely debated about in public circles. According to Boudreau and Somerville (2014), physician-assisted suicide is an action and deed that is unethical. The basis of argument that links this perspective and supports their refusal and dismissal of euthanasia is the conviction that purposely causing death on human beings is intrinsically immoral. Boudreau and Somerville (2014) also point out that even if it were not immoral, the threats and problems of sanctioning euthanasia are greater than and prevail over any benefits. Other ethical courses of action to euthanasia are accessible, or ought to be, and euthanasia is unequivocally discordant with physicians' key obligation of health-giving (Boudreau and Somerville, 2014). On the other hand, the authors make the argument for euthanasia in the sense that it largely depends on giving precedence to the value of respect for people's right to autonomy and free will. Respect for free will is the first condition and obligation recorded in the principlism approach to biomedical ethics (Boudreau and Somerville, 2014).

According to Lachman (2010), nurses ought not to participate or take part in assisted suicide for the reason that this sort of act directly encroaches upon the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the ethical custom and objectives of the profession and its pact with the society. The author importantly points out that honoring the independence of the patient does not necessitate taking part in physician-assisted suicide. Legally, very few states have legalized euthanasia. The same case is pointed by Asch (1996) who points out that conscientious objection starts with the notion that individuals are not obliged to carry out acts which encroach upon and go against their sense of right and wrong, regardless of whether the acts are lawfully or workwise legitimate (Asch, 1996).