Practice: Case Scenario from a Nigerian Hospital
Based on the page, 'Features of Case Studies', I wish to include an example of a published case study article. I have annotate the paper to make it easier to identify the key features found in most case study articles. I have broken up the article itself by examining the introduction, case scenario, and discussion portions. However, if you wish to read the full-article in-depth, please click on the link below.
Analysis
Regardless of the level of membership your audience has, you should explain what bioethical principle you are examining.
In this article, the authors explain what informed consent in their eyes
The authors continue to define what informed consent means in developing-countries. In this article Nigeria is their main focus.
The authors open up the case scenario by discussing the patient's condition. Relevant information such as age, symptoms, and location are shared.
After explaining the treatment given to the patient, the authors claim that women's symptoms returned. She later claimed that she was not well-informed of the chance her condition would come back.
Additionally, the authors examine the 'doctor's know best' notion. In doing so, they argue that patients do not feel they can ask questions and don't have the time to make an informed decision.
In the discussion, the authors discuss how the doctors could have given more adequate information on her condition. They propose there needs to be an assessment of the patient's knowledge of their condition.
Within the final paragraphs, the authors use the case study as a form of exigence to persuade physicians to utilize thorough communication to protect a patient's right to informed-consent. However, physicians are the sole individuals who can fix this problem because it is their responsibility to take care of a patient.
To end the discussion, the authors have a 'call to action' as they believe the informed consent process needs to be more thorough.
Afolabi, O A, et al. “Informed Consent in Otolaryngologic Surgery: Case Scenario from a Nigerian Specialist Hospital.” Case Reports in Otolaryngology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4119632/, Accessed 26 October 2023.
Now It's Your Turn!
As a novice, you have a place within the bioethics discourse community. Although you may feel intimidate by scholars and field experts who have more experience, you shouldn't feel nervous. Those individuals all started being novices in the discipline before they became experts. We all start somewhere, but as members of the same discourse community, it is our job to help each other navigate the discipline.
I hope this guide served as a helpful resource in understanding how to write a case study article. I wish you the best on whatever next project you are working on. And remember to keep your head up high, because you are a member of the bioethicist discourse community.