Decision Making Tools

The Army-Baylor

7-Step Method for

Clinical-Ethical Decision-Making

1.    Frame the question

2.    Set out the medical situation

3.    Note the contextual situation, including:

        a.    Social factors

        b.    Economic factors

        c.    Familial factors

        d.    Religious factors

        e.    Legal issues and precedents

        f.    Ethical issues and precedents

4.    Revisit/re-frame the question

5.    Apply the principles/identify conflict(s)

6.    Weight the alternatives

7.    Decide

The Army-Baylor

7-Step Method Modified for

Organizational Decision-Making

1.    Frame the question

2.    Set out the organizational situation

3.    Note the contextual factors

4.    Revisit/reframe the question

5.    Ask and answer the appropriate questions:

        a.    Accuracy?

        b.    View of Others?

        c.    Intention?    

        d.    Potential Results?

        e.    Harm?

        f.    Transparency?

        g.    Grandmother Test?

        h.    Political Impact?

        i.    Exceptions?

6.    Identify and weigh the alternatives.

7.    Decide