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3B. Making Ethical Decisions
When you consider your decisions as guardian, you need to make sure each one is ethical from the ward’s perspective.
To make ethical decisions, you need to get as much medical information as possible. Find out the pros and cons of the procedure, ask about alternative treatments that are available, and understand the probable outcome of each option.
This 4-step model makes sure your decision-making process is thorough and ethical.
Clarify and Research
- Ask the doctor what treatments you are being asked to approve or deny.
- Ask about alternative treatment options.
- Carefully consider the benefits, burdens and risks of each treatment.
- Find the success rates or medications involved in each treatment.
- Make sure you research credible sources. This is important when you’re doing Internet research or learning from advocacy groups not connected to a reputable medical community.
Evaluate
- Think about the pros and cons for each treatment. Is it easy for the ward to get to appointments? How much will the treatment cost?
- Consider each treatment alternative from the perspective of the ward. Which option would the ward have likely chosen before the guardianship?
- Eliminate treatment options that are impractical, illegal or improper.
Decide
- Consider the worst-case scenario if you move forward with the best option.
- Determine whether the benefits of the treatment you chose outweigh the risks.
- Ask yourself these final questions:
- Are these the actual facts, or just what I want them to be?
- Are you treating the ward as he/she would want?
- Would you be comfortable publicizing your decision?
- Would you make this decision for yourself if you were in the ward’s shoes?
Implement, Monitor and Modify
- Work with medical professionals to develop a treatment plan.
- Monitor the effects of the treatment.
- Be prepared to revise your decision or take a different course of action.
- Be flexible and open to new information.