Case I- Inappropriate Touching in the Operating Room

Discussion Questions

1. What are the facts in this situation?

2. Should anyone who observed the behavior feel obligated to report it? Why do you think the podiatric resident would not agree to report the behaviors?

3. The American podiatric Association Code of Ethics states, ‘The podiatrist shall not engage in any deliberate act of emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual misconduct, or sexual exploitation related to the podiatrist's position as health care provider, administrator, educator, researcher, consultant, or employer" (MPMA, 2005, P.5). Should this incident be reported to the licensing board? If yes, what action should the board take?

4. What is the hospital's obligation to report this to the patient? Is this a criminal activity and should it be reported to the police?

5. How could these types of behaviors be presented in the future? Provide your rationale for what, if anything might have been done differently in this case.

Case II: The Case of the Dishonest Employee

Discussions questions

1. Summarize the importance aspects of this case.

2. Which theory or theories do you believe best explain Ms. Smith's behaviors?

3. What actions would be appropriate in dealing with such falsification of patient data?

4. Should Ms. Smith be terminated, counseled, or disciplined in some other fashion?

5. What are the clinical implications of Ms. Smith's actions?

6. What are the legal implications of Ms. Smith's actions?

7. What should DR. Jonas do in the future to make sure that this set of events does not recur?

Case III: Who Stole the X-Rays?

Discussions questions

1. What are the facts in this case?

2. What obligations does the hospital have to protect the individuals whose identities may have been compromised?

3. Does the hospital have an obligation to cover any losses sustained by the patients due to this theft?

4. Was the termination of the beloved Mr. Mike appropriate? Could other actions have been taken? Provide possible scenarios where other steps could have been taken. Include your reflections and personal opinions as well your recommendation and rationale for addressing this problem.

5. It is possible to monitor every part of the hospital to prevent criminal activity? Create a detailed plan for preventing this type of theft, as well as other types of thefts in hospitals.

Case IV: Dr. Jim's Wife Disappears

Discussion Questions

1. What are the facts in this situation? What was known and not known when Dr. Jim was a surgical resident at the upstate New York hospital?

2. How did the residency program deal with Dr. Jim's bad judgment?

3. Did the hospital and residency program have an obligation to tell other programs the reason he was not invited back?

4. If an employee exhibits bizarre behaviors off job, yet his job performance is acceptable, should his non-work-related behaviors be addressed by the organization? Provide a rationale for you responses.

5. Does the absence of a conviction ensure that an implication has not committed a crime? Why or why not?

6. Although a cloud of suspicion followed. Jim for years, he maintained his hospital privilege. His medical license was not revoked until he was convicted of murder. Do you think something should have been done sooner? If so, what? Provide your reflections and personal opinions as well as your recommendations and rationale for what, if anything might have been done differently in this case earlier on in Dr. Jim's career.