Applied Ethics in Health Care

 Applied Ethics in Health Care

Position Paper

Assignment Description

The purpose of the Position Paper assignment is to give students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to 1) apply ethical principles and theories to a specific case, 2) analyze the dilemma using an ethical decision-making framework, and 3) articulate a fully justified position about the case. 

The final paper should be between 6-8 pages in length, excluding the cover page and references list (using a minimum of 5 academic sources). The paper must address each of the following elements, and each element should be noted in the narrative with proper APA section headers.

 Case and Topic Introduction

This section of the paper must include the case being explored, and clearly identify the ethical dilemma in the and provide enough background information, including definitions, to allow the reader to understand the issues. When constructing the topic introduction, you should assume the reader is not familiar with the topic. All statements of fact (i.e. statements from other authors or empirical evidence) should be clearly supported with relevant information from the scholarly literature. For example, if you state that the use of a particular technology is increasing, you must have a scholarly source supporting that statement. This is also true for statistics, definitions, or other pertinent information used.

Problem Statement and “Road Map”  (1 paragraph)

This section forms the basis for the problem statement. Although more than one problem may be identifiable in a given topic, students are encouraged to narrow the problem statement to ONE main dilemma in order to make the analysis manageable within the confines of the assignment. Be sure to identify which of the questions is the primary ethical question. In other words, which question reflects the most significant issue that must be dealt with in order to form an opinion about the dilemma? For example, a main ethical dilemma in a given case could be stated like this: “The main ethical dilemma in this case is whether or not Mrs. Sanders artificial feeding should be continued.”

Once the main ethical dilemma is stated, I want each student to include a thesis statement, or a “road map,” of exactly what they plan to argue and on what ground they will argue it on. For example, using the dilemma above, a student could state “In this paper, I will argue that it is unethical to remove artificial nutrition from Mrs. Sanders based on Mrs. Sanders autonomy, her past wishes, and the notion that her surrogates are not adhering to the guidelines of oral advanced directives.”

Argument

This section of the paper will be used to create cogent arguments about the selected topic in direct response to the problem statement identified in the topic introduction.  Essentially, your argument should reflect how particular ethical principles, theories, obligations or duties can be applied to the argument. It is also important to include relevant information from the literature in support of each argument. For example, from the dilemma above, you would want to break down concepts like autonomy and substituted judgment in order to justify your position regarding Mrs. Sanders. This section should be where the majority of your sources are used.

Hint: Be sure you are actually arguing for your position instead of simply assuming that it is correct (don’t beg the question).

Counter-Arguments

Counter-arguments are those statements directly challenging the your initial argument. Here, it is important to point out the weaknesses of initial arguments and/ or consider the circumstances under which one might abandon or otherwise alter the initial position. All counter-arguments should reflect how a particular theory or principle can be applied to refute original arguments. The use of information from the literature will also serve to strengthen the quality of the counter-arguments, and will help to ensure that a variety of contrasting viewpoints are represented.

Counter-arguments in this section should be equally compelling to the initial arguments. This allows a greater degree of certainty that the analysis is unbiased, objective, and fair to a variety of viewpoints. So, for example, a counter argument for the case above could begin with a statement like this: “Critics of this position would likely claim that we ought to discontinue Mrs. Sanders artificial nutrition based on the notion that her care is futile since she will likely never leave the hospital.”

Response to Counter-Argument and Conclusion

This section should communicate a direct response to the counter argument, and prove why the counter claims are insufficient or inappropriate.  It should indicating your initial position is more compelling and why. For example, a student might state “While critics might argue that Mrs. Sanders case futile,  based on Trotter’s conception of futility it can be seen that they are mistaken, since artificial nutrition is accomplishing Mrs. Sanders pre-stated goals.”

Expectations and Evaluation*

Recognizing that ethical narrative reflects a degree of subjectivity and creativity on the part of the writer, written assignments in this course will not be evaluated on individual thoughts or positions. Rather, work will be evaluated on the depth and clarity of thoughts and ideas; presence of all required assignment elements; accurate understanding, interpretation, and application of ethical theories and principles; and narrative organization and writing mechanics. Close attention to details in the following categories will help to ensure successful completion of written assignments in HCE 430: Applied Ethics in Health Care.

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