Tag / Ryan Pferdehirt
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![People running on a raised track to represent futility.]()
Three Definitions of Medical Futility And How to Balance Them
As modern medicine continues to push forward, it will continue to create scenarios that challenge our presupposed notions of right and wrong. New technologies and advancements in medicine will raise questions regarding the ethical permissibility of continuing to do “everything” versus the risks of holding back.
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![Lindsey Jarrett and Ryan Pferdehirt.]()
Medical Ethics and Why It Matters
On October 3, 2023, for our 40th Anniversary Kickoff Luncheon, Ryan Pferdehirt and Lindsey Jarrett shared real-life situations showing how bioethicists improve care in clinical settings and how the Center is helping providers build safeguards into their use of artificial intelligence.
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Case Study – Trying to Honor Johnny’s Wishes
“I know I’m not doing well and that my time here is limited. So, I want you to promise me that you’ll keep me alive long enough to touch my oldest daughter’s hand and say goodbye.” Carson shakes his hand, with every intention to keep this promise.
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![Man standing high up.]()
Case Study – “God will restore his leg. The doctors will see.” Patient Nonadherence.
Collin takes a moment to further underscore the complications and consequences that may arise from not having the leg amputated, including death, but it appears Xiang has made up his mind.
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![Nurse looking distressed.]()
Case Study – Moral Dimensions of Medical Negligence
I should have been paying more attention. Should have insisted on either helping Lyle or finding a CNA to do so. I feel so bad. If Lyle doesn’t recover, if he dies . . . . Oh, my God. Did I kill him?” John is distraught.
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![Nurse resting on a sofa.]()
Case Study – Moral Distress of Hospital Workers
Unable to answer the question definitively, Sandra is left speechless. This is not the first patient with severe COVID for whom she’s provided nursing care. Apart from the incredibly high number of COVID hospitalizations recently, there has also been a disturbingly high number of COVID deaths, and it’s all been taking an emotional toll on hospital staff, including Sandra.
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![Person holding up their hand to the camera with the word "no" written on it.]()
Case Study – It’s been prescribed. She won’t take it. The Ethics of Non-Adherence
. . .her PCP notes that Peggy was prescribed blood pressure medication several years ago, which she has not been taking despite her family’s constant pleas.
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![A portrait of a young boy.]()
Case Study – Vaccinating Children
Anwar is a five-year old child who is eligible to get a recommended COVID vaccine recently approved for children 5-11 years. He is at the pediatrician’s office with his parents.
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![Microscopic view of blood vein.]()
Case Study – The Ethics of Blood Shortages
Her hemoglobin is notably low, requiring transfusions to make the patient feel better, but without any hemorrhaging site noted. With proper care, inclusive of additional blood transfusions, Graciela’s prognosis is estimated to be a life expectancy of 3 to 6 months.
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![Hay bales in a field.]()
Case Study – Do I Sell the Family Farm for this Treatment?
A 55-year-old, male-identifying patient is admitted to the hospital from ER for respiratory distress and other distressing symptoms that had come on rather quickly. The patient’s name is Tom.
