Ethics and Professionalism-Case: Ethics Case

Case: Ethics Case

Pdf Summary

In this ethics case, an attending hand surgeon who frequently operates with residents and fellows had a resident accidentally cut the recurrent motor branch during a routine carpal tunnel release. Upon the attending surgeon's return, they recognized the error and performed a primary repair. The following discussion questions emerge from this case:<br /><br />1. Disclosure Obligation: What is the attending surgeon's obligation to disclose the error to the patient?<br />   - The attending surgeon must consider the ethical obligation to provide complete and accurate information to the patient regarding their injury and the resident's involvement.<br /><br />2. Legal Implications: What are the potential legal consequences of this case?<br />   - There may be legal implications depending on the jurisdiction and any relevant medical malpractice laws. The attending surgeon could potentially face a lawsuit for the resident's mistake.<br /><br />3. Position Statement on Simultaneous Surgery: What is the position of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) regarding simultaneous surgery?<br />   - It is important to refer to the ASSH's position statement on simultaneous surgery to determine if the attending surgeon's practice of running multiple operating rooms with residents and fellows aligns with accepted ethical and professional standards.<br /><br />4. Disclosure of Resident's Involvement: Is the attending surgeon obligated to disclose the resident's involvement to the patient?<br />   - The attending surgeon must consider whether it is necessary and appropriate to disclose the resident's involvement in the error to the patient, taking into account the patient's right to informed consent and the potential impact on the patient-doctor relationship.<br /><br />These discussion questions address the ethical and legal considerations in this case, including the attending surgeon's obligation to disclose information and the potential consequences of the error and the resident's involvement.

Keywords

ethics case

attending surgeon

resident

recurrent motor branch

carpal tunnel release

primary repair

disclosure obligation

legal implications

position statement

simultaneous surgery