101281: Ethical Considerations in the Case of a 15-Year-Old Leukemia Patient Facing Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

About the Course:

This paper is the second place winner in JSWVE’s 2006-2007 Term Paper Contest. The application of social work values and ethics, as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics, in work with a 15-year-old acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient facing the possibility of Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (PBSCT) is explored. Highlighted are issues common in pediatric medical social work: both the constant reconsideration of who to define as the primary client, the patient or the parents, and the intricacies of working on a medical interdisciplinary team. Also considered are the legally-defined medical decision-making rights of a minor. Following the outlining of several possible courses of action, one scenario is presented as the best course to follow.

Journal/Publisher:

The Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics

Publication Date:

Fall 2007, Vol. 4, No. 2

Author

Leslie Green

About the Author:

Leslie Green is a student at the Simmons College School of Social Work.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about ethics in a medical setting. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify four ethical challenges related to the case presented in the article.

2. Identify three possible courses of action to take in the case presented in the article.

3. Understand the best course of action in the case presented in the article, as stated by the author.

4. Name benefits and risks of peripheral blood stem cell transplants in a leukemia patient.