Treating Ed

By Eric Ribbens

Abstract

Ed is dying. How should his wishes for medical treatment be carried out? As the case unfolds, students explore the rights and responsibilities of doctors, patients, and patient representatives regarding difficult medical decisions. Specifically, students consider the ramifications of Advance Directives and Durable Powers of Attorney. The case was written for an introductory biology course, but could easily be used in or modified for a human anatomy and physiology, introductory nursing, or medical ethics course.

Download Case

Date Posted

02/05/2008

Overview

Objectives

Consider the ramifications of advance directives and durable powers of attorney in making medical decisions.
Explore what rights and responsibilities regarding durable powers of attorney and other advance directive paperwork doctors have, patients have, and people appointed as patient representatives have.

Keywords

Medical ethics; patient care; end-of-life decisions; advance directive; durable power of attorney; living will; healthcare proxy; Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; HIPPA

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Medicine (General)

Nursing

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division, Professional (degree program), General public & informal education, Continuing education

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Legal issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Discussion, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

Case teaching notes are protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, purchase a subscription here.

Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

Download Notes

Answer Key

Answer Keys are protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, purchase a subscription here.

Download Answer Key