Case of the Quarter
Case of the Quarter is a quarterly event where participants analyze and submit responses to a clinical ethics case. There is also an opportunity to win exciting giveaways for those who take part.
Christmas may be over but let's begin this year with some holiday cheer!
Once upon a time in the quiet town of Reindeer Ridge, nestled between snow-covered hills and winding rivers, there lived a spirited woman named Carol Winterbottom. Carol is now 60 years old and has a complex clinical history. She also has dementia and has been living in long term care for the past 5 years. Her story, however, is more than just medical charts and prescriptions. It is woven with the vibrant threads of a close-knit community that she once called home.
At Reindeer Ridge, Christmas festivities are more than just an annual tradition, they are a cornerstone of life. Throughout her life, Carol has been the heart of the holiday season, she is a baker, you see. Carol had a very special tradition, she would gather with her friends during the holidays to bake and decorate cookies, and spread the joy by distributing the sweet treats throughout the community. Over the past couple of years, Carol has been unable to continue this tradition due to her clinical condition.
This year, Carol expressed her longing for the familiar warmth of her community and her desire to spend the holidays with her friend’s family, the Frostwoods. She misses the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies and the laughter of old friends.
Carol's health has been on a steady decline over the past year. She has become increasingly unsteady on her feet and has experienced two falls in the past month. The clinical team is worried that if Carol has a major injury following a fall, her prognosis might be poor. They find themselves in a delicate ethical dilemma and are torn between honoring Carol's heartfelt wish to partake in the holiday traditions of her community and the responsibility to ensure her safety.
The team has asked for an Ethics consult and you are brought into the discussion.
Question
What is your next step?
- The risk is too great so let Carol know that she cannot go
- Carol wants to go and refraining her from going will violate her autonomy
- Ask the team to assess whether Carol understands her clinical condition and the risks associated with a potential fall