SOC 213 Ethical Issues in Healthcare

This course introduces students to basic ethical principles and asks them to apply those principles to ethical and legal dilemmas in modern healthcare. Topics include end-of-life care, patient confidentiality, ethical uses of technology, informed consent, and cultural competence.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

SOC 213 Ethical Issues in Healthcare

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Stanton
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

202551

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces students to basic ethical principles and asks them to apply those principles to ethical and legal dilemmas in modern healthcare. Topics include end-of-life care, patient confidentiality, ethical uses of technology, informed consent, and cultural competence.

Additional Materials

None

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Discuss a variety of bioethical issues from a diverse set of perspectives, including the context of a culturally diverse and pluralistic society. (CCC 4)

  2. Examine the criteria and choices involved in ethical problem-solving and decision-making. (CCC 2, 4)
  3. Analyze appropriate communication techniques effective in sensitive healthcare issues. (CCC 1, 5)

  4. Apply ethical standards to situations specific to the student's healthcare field. (CCC 2, 4)

  5. Develop a professional code of ethics. (CCC 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Discuss a variety of bioethical issues from a diverse set of perspectives, including the context of a culturally diverse and pluralistic society.
    1. Identify various bioethical issues that are relevant to the health fields in the United States today.
    2. Explain how the diverse perspectives present in a culturally diverse and pluralistic society influence ethics within healthcare professions.
  2. Examine the criteria and choices involved in ethical problem-solving and decision-making.
    1. Describe an ethical problem-solving and decision-making model.
    2. Apply the ethical problem-solving and decision-making model to various ethical dilemmas.
  3. Analyze appropriate communication techniques effective in sensitive healthcare situations.
    1. Identify effective communication models that are appropriate to use in sensitive healthcare situations.
    2. Compare various communication models used in sensitive healthcare situations.
  4. Apply ethical standards to situations specific to the student's healthcare field.
    1. Explain the role of ethical standards in addressing healthcare situations.
    2. Examine the ethical conflict and dilemmas in various case studies.
  5. Develop a professional code of ethics.
    1. Explore how personal and professional values impact ethical decisions.
    2. Evaluate a current professional code of ethics.


Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

3-6 Exams (Summative) (Equally weighted)

60%

Code of Ethics project (Summative)

15%

Discussion Forums, Classwork and Homework (Formative)

25%

Total

100%

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.