Philosophy 230
Study Questions:  Baylis, "Errors in Medicine" and Wusthoff, "Medical Mistakes and Disclosure"


1.  Baylis considers why doctors are hesitant to discuss the errors that they sometimes make.
       What are the main possible reasons she discusses, and how does she evaluate these
       reasons?

2.  Late in the article Baylis argues that changes in the culture of health care practice are needed
       in order to increase the discussion of errors.  Explain briefly the changes that she suggests.
       Do you agree that these changes would help solve the problem?

3.  Consider one of the hypothetical cases that Baylis develops in her article.  Explain briefly,
       whether you think anyone has an obligation in this case to disclose a medical error to the
       patient.  Explain why or why not.

4.  Wusthoff considers the medical student's role in disclosing errors to a patient.  Explain briefly
       the guidance she provides to students in this circumstance--what the student should and
       should not do.  Do you find this advice plausible, or do you see problems with it?