This month’s cases come to us from the Nova Scotia Health Ethics Network. This is a series published in April 2019. Each describes an ethical challenge from two different perspectives – the provider and the patient/family.
The concept of perspective taking is important in moral case deliberation, which is a method of working through a clinical dilemma. Narrative helps participants in an ethical discussion to consider the problem from different points of view. This opens participants’ eyes to alternative options for resolution.
Perspective taking is also part of the development of moral sensitivity, which is essential to the provision of person-centered care. While it can be a precursor to moral distress, perspective taking plays an important role in empathy and can create a greater awareness of the ethical dimensions of difficult situations. See Dr. Cynda Rushton’s work for more on moral distress.
As you read through these cases, try a thought experiment. Consider a difficult decision you’ve been involved in from another perspective. Does the act of walking in someone else’s shoes help to add clarity or uncover different possibilities for addressing the problem?
Thanks to NSHEN for making their Health Ethics Case Database public. This is a rich repository of interesting, relevant and searchable scenarios, including discussion questions and references. Consider this resource for an ethics education event or for your own self learning.
PS There is also a great podcast and participatory art project called A Mile in My Shoes, produced by Empathy Museum. These are short, first-person narratives that provide a glimpse into the life of a stranger. The project focuses on storytelling as a way to explore how empathy can transform relationships and tackle global challenges like prejudice, conflict and inequity. Check it out – it’s a good listen.
Case of the Month: health ethics case studies 