We will use case analysis to extend our examination of patient autonomy with one of the earliest cases surrounding patient rights and patient autonomy. Although the case of Terri Schiavo have tested the balance of decision making when patients may no longer speak for themselves.

Instructions

Before writing your case analysis, make sure you have gone through the readings associated with the Schiavo Case Analysis. The articles listed below are provided to assist you with completing the assignment.  While you are welcome to use other sources as well, it is not necessary.

• • The Module Notes of Modules 1 – 4
  • Cyranoski, D. (2012). The mind reader. Nature, 456, 178-180.
  • Deveterre text: pages 277-288.
  • Ditto, P.  (2006). What would Terri want? On the psychological challenges of surrogate decision making. Death Studies. 30(2), 135-148.  Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database
  • Fins, J. (2009). Brain injury: the vegetative and minimally conscious states. Garrison, NY: The Hastings Center, Bioethics Briefing Book. Retrieved from http://www.thehastingscenter.org/Publications/BriefingBook/Detail.aspx?id=2166
  • Mathes, M. (2005). Terri Schiavo and end-of-life decisions: Can law help us out?  MEDSURG Nursing. 41(3), 200-202.  Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.
  • Perry, J., Chruchill, L. R. & Kirshner, H.S.  et al. (2005).  The Terri Schiavo case: Legal, ethical, and medical perspectives. Annals of Internal Medicine. 143(10), 744-748.  Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.
  • Preston, T.  & Kelly, M. (2006).  A medical ethics assessment of the case of Terri Schiavo. Death Studies. 30(2), 121-133. Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from Academic Search Premier database.
  • Swetz, Keith M. Burkle, Christopher, & Berge , K. et al.  (2014) Ten common Questions (and their answers ) on Medical Futility. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 89.7 943 – 59. http://search.proquest.com.vlib.excelsior.edu/docview/1545042509?pq-origsite=360link

After reviewing the case study articles, respond to the following questions in a short essay no more than 700 – 800 words.

1. Provide a brief introduction of the Terri Schiavo case.
2. Identify at least two ethical issues that relate to this dilemma.
3. Identify the at least five stakeholders and briefly describe the situation from their perspective.
4. Analyze the dilemma from the perspective of the healthcare professional, applying one of the frameworks that are discussed in the module or one that you may use in your professional work. Be sure to address each element.
5. Identify a more recent case involving patient decision making when they are no longer able.  After providing a brief introduction to the case, identify some of the similarities and differences. In what ways has Schiavo’s case impacted this case?  Explain what types of policies, procedures, standards have been put in place to assist in preventing such a dilemma.
6. Briefly discuss what you have learned from your exploration of the Terri Schiavo case. Has the case influenced your view of advanced directives?  Presuming you have not already, are you now considering completing your own advance directives? Why or Why Not?

Your case analysis will be between 700 – 800 words. It will include the following:

• A title page with the title of the case, your name, and date

• Double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font

• APA formatted inline citations as appropriate

• A bibliography of references used