A case study application of the Integrated Ethical/Clinical Judgment Model

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Ethics
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The Integrated Clinical Judgment Model (ICJM) by Gordon, Murphy, Candee, and Hiltunen provides a framework for understanding clinical decision-making.
• Hospice care involves complex ethical considerations alongside diagnostic and therapeutic reasoning.
• Case studies offer valuable insights into the practical application of theoretical models in nursing.

Observation:

• A case study involving a widow's experience as a primary hospice caregiver for her husband with lung cancer was examined.
• Published literature on hospice care and ethical reasoning was also reviewed.

Findings:

• The study identified key elements of ethical reasoning, including parties' claims and the moral basis for these claims, within a family's hospice experience.
• The Integrated Clinical Judgment Model demonstrated applicability in analyzing ethical dimensions of care.

Implications:

• A strong foundation in diagnostic and ethical reasoning is crucial for nurses to provide optimal hospice care.
• The Integrated Clinical Judgment Model can enhance ethical research and clinical nursing practice in hospice settings.