BUS FPX 3121 Assessment 3 Ethical Case Study

BUS FPX 3121 Assessment 3 Ethical Case Study

Student Name

Capella University

BUS-FPX3121 Healthcare Management Ethics

Prof. Name:

Date

Introduction

This case study examines the situation of a patient named Michael, who was recently in a coma at Brookside Hospital. During his admission, Michael informed the medical staff that he had been living with his father, Chris, for the past two years, even though he remained married to his wife, Tifania, and maintained consistent communication with her. Unfortunately, due to multiple injuries that required several surgeries, Michael eventually fell into a coma. When his condition changed following an apnea test that confirmed his death, Chris was notified and subsequently requested to withdraw treatment without consulting Tifania.

Meanwhile, Tifania contacted the hospital to inquire about Michael’s condition after his most recent surgery, as she had maintained a close relationship with him despite their separation. However, the hospital refused to disclose any information, stating that Chris had informed them that the couple was divorced and that he, along with Michael’s minor children, were the next of kin. Even though Tifania’s name appeared on the admission documents, the hospital neglected to verify this information. Consequently, Chris was allowed to make end-of-life decisions, even after Tifania had presented legal proof of their marriage during the three weeks that Michael was in a coma.

Recognition of the Problem

In this scenario, Michael was admitted under our care and had met all requirements to make informed medical decisions independently. During his admission, he provided detailed information about his wife, Tifania, identifying her as his spouse, financial supporter, insurance holder, and emergency contact. The hospital had access to this data and was aware of the proper contacts in case of incapacitation.

Despite these clear records, the medical staff failed to uphold Michael’s rights as a patient. They disregarded hospital policy and ethical protocols, resulting in a significant breach of both professional and moral standards. This negligence not only violated Michael’s autonomy but also undermined the ethical duty of care owed to both the patient and his legal spouse.

Analysis of Ethical Factors

Upon analyzing this case, several ethical violations become apparent. The foremost concern is the breach of autonomy, as Michael’s clearly expressed preferences regarding his care and designated contact person were ignored. The hospital allowed his father to make medical decisions that contradicted the patient’s stated wishes.

Another key ethical principle at stake is nonmaleficence, which requires that healthcare professionals avoid causing harm. In this case, harm was inflicted by disregarding the patient’s choices and allowing unauthorized decision-making authority. Beneficence—acting in the patient’s best interest—was also compromised, as the staff failed to verify critical documentation that confirmed Tifania’s legal right to act on behalf of her husband.

This case highlights the importance of aligning hospital policy with ethical and legal frameworks. As Darr (2011) explains, conflicts of interest in healthcare are often difficult to detect, and when internal policies are unclear, healthcare professionals must rely on ethical judgment and applicable laws. Similarly, Morrison (2019) emphasizes that neglecting these legal and ethical obligations restricts a patient’s access to justice, as occurred here with both Michael and Tifania. Furthermore, Darr and Nowicki (2018) note that financial conflicts of interest can arise when personal motives interfere with professional responsibilities—a concern relevant in this case, given Tifania’s financial and legal stake as Michael’s spouse and emergency contact.

Likely Corrections

To address this issue effectively, corrective measures should be divided into external and internal categories for clarity and accountability.

Table 1

Proposed Corrective Actions

By differentiating these two categories, the hospital can ensure both immediate redress for affected parties and long-term structural improvements to prevent similar incidents.

Conclusion

Resolving the ethical dilemma involving Michael, Tifania, Chris, and the hospital staff requires a swift, structured, and ethically sound approach. This process should begin with a full review of current policies, ensuring that employee actions align with institutional expectations and ethical norms. It may be necessary to revise or completely overhaul existing procedures to guarantee compliance with both legal and ethical standards.

Moreover, implementing standardized ethics training across all departments can significantly reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences. Prioritizing patient autonomy, transparency, and fairness will enhance both patient safety and the quality of care. By integrating evidence-based strategies and ethical best practices, Brookside Hospital can strengthen its organizational culture and rebuild public trust in its healthcare services.

References

Darr, K. (2011). Ethics in health services management (5th ed.). Health Professions Press.

Darr, K., & Nowicki, M. (2018). Introduction to the financial management of healthcare organizations (7th ed.). Health Administration Press.

BUS FPX 3121 Assessment 3 Ethical Case Study

Morrison, E. E. (2019). Ethics in health administration: A practical approach for decision makers (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://capella.vitalsource.com/books/9781284194319