Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Kennedy, Ashley

Abstract

This thesis investigates the ethical implications surrounding the sudden death of a 46-year-old male patient from glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor. The analysis focuses on the intricate details of the case, dissecting the events that transpired, and identifying the medical and ethical mistakes that were made. Further, this thesis critically examines the decisions made by both the healthcare professionals and the patient, and the deficiencies in diagnosis, communication, and treatment strategy in the case. Because of delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment, the patient suffered an untimely death. By unraveling the complexities of this case, this thesis seeks to contribute a nuanced perspective to the discourse on medical ethics, by offering insights into areas that demand improvement, both in this particular case, and in medicine more generally. Failures at multiple levels resulted in the patient deteriorating rapidly and missing the chance to say goodbye to his loved ones. In this thesis, I suggest that by fostering a compassionate and patient-centered approach to healthcare, we can provide more optimal care to individuals facing glioblastoma and similar formidable conditions.

Comments

Thesis (B.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2024

Extent

25 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00313

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