Peer Review

Wrongful Life

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jul 27, 2013 by Health Sciences

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This learning module asks students to answer the question "Who should make the ultimate decision about life-saving measures in the case of a very premature baby?" Students are asked to explore the question from a number of different viewpoints and submit their written answers to the instructor electronically. Since the user provides both the professor’s email and their own this program can be used by students/faculty anywhere.

Type of Material:

Case Study

Recommended Uses:

Material lends itself well to a variety of formats that include individual review and reflection as well as in-class discussion.

Nursing or medical ethics class
Sociology or political science discussion on rights of individuals vs. corporate or religious interests
Class discussion of end-of-life issues, right-to-life issues

Technical Requirements:

Flash, Internet access, web browser, and e-mail.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

No learning goals were expressly identified. Implied learning goals are that the participant:

Will review ethical decision making and issues surrounding the quality of life of a very premature infant.
Discuss viewpoints from the parents, doctors, hospital administration, insurance companies, and clergy in the decision to offer or withhold life support for a very premature infant.

Target Student Population:

The authors list the target population as the general college population and graduate students however it works well for students in the healthcare professions, and might be used with advanced high school students when examining ethical principles and right to life issues.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

No prerequisite knowledge needed although knowledge of basic ethical principles would be helpful.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Current and thought-provoking.
Concerns:: Entirely text-based. Provides a link to an article then questions for the participant.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: An excellent case; very compelling.
Concerns:: While it requires student input, it's not actually "interactive." However, you could use the case materials as the basis for a face-to-face or online discussion - perhaps by having students submit initial responses, then posting them anonymously for further discussion.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: Very simple and straightforward.
Concerns:: Entirely text-based and not interactive. It would benefit with links to other resources on medical ethical decision-making.

Other Issues and Comments:: Good content with the potential for participants from any location to share feedback with each other or their faculty.
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