Activity Originally Created By:
Linda Bray
Selecting Criteria - problem solving/critical thinking
Part of Lesson Plan: Dying to Breathe
Activity Overview / Details
General information:
- What kind of criteria did each group consider in selecting lung recipients?
- How did they decide which criteria were most important?
- How do students feel about an age limit for transplant candidates?
- How might they differentiate between patients who have knowingly abused their bodies, such as cigarette smokers or alcoholics, and individuals who have not engaged in risky behavior?
- How should the ability to pay – through insurance, Medi-Cal, or personal funds—affect which patients are selected?
Activity Answer:
Students’ answers should reflect some sort criteria for selecting a recipient. These criteria might include the overall health of the patient, the patient’s age, the method of payment, or the likelihood that the patient would have a productive life after surgery. It should be stressed that there is no right answer and everyone’s opinions must be respected.
Materials / Resource
Bioethics issues concerning transplants
[
Go to Site
]
USC website
Examples of past responses from students
"Why can't they get organs from people on death row?"
"I selected Ms L. because she has children"
"I did not select Dr. N because he sounds suicidal"
"I selected Mr. Z because the hospital could use the money"
Most students will say they need more information on each candidate. Teachers can modify by having 4 students take on the role of each candidate and they may be interviewed by each group.
