Complete Module 4 Teacher Support Materials - NIH Office of ...

Evaluative Criteria for the Final AssessmentcontinuedIf Camilla were to have the genetic test, who else (if anyone) should learn the results (other thanCamilla, her doctor, and her mother)?Level ofAchievementExemplaryGeneral Characteristicsof ResponseStudent provides two reasonsand clearly understands howto apply both the ethicalconsiderations and therelevant scientific facts;student elaborates, and showsoriginal thinking; student goesbeyond class discussions.Actual Student Response*“If Camilla were to take the test,she should not have to tell herfamily. It is her medical result,and she should be able to keep [it]confidential. Secondly, the othermembers of the family alreadyknew they were at risk, becauseFelicia had colon cancer. The otherfamily members could take thetest as well. They could then tellthe results to whichever familymembers they want. Not only wouldthis solution allow Camilla to keepher confidentiality, but the resultswould also be much more helpful tothe person taking the test than justknowing Camilla’s results. Becauseit is her information, Camillashould control her course of action,and what is happening. “[Finally,]unlike something like HIV, the geneis not transmissible or except to heroffspring….”Analysis of ResponseEthical Consideration• Confidentiality• Minimizing harms,maximizing benefitsScientific Facts• Mendelian genetics andspecific inheritance patternsapply to this situation.• Infectious and inheriteddiseases are significantlydifferent.• The nature of the genetic testCopyright © 2009 Education Development Center, Inc. Exploring Bioethics.Permission granted for classroom use.“Camilla’s mother should shareinformation about the HNPCCtest availability with the familywhile keeping Camilla’s personalgenetic testing results confidential.The testing does pave the way forsignificant medical intervention andbenefit, so it would be a good idea tomake sure that all family membersknow about the availability of thetest. Each family member could thenmake up their own mind for testing.Camilla’s results don’t definitivelypredict other family members’results, anyway. Even if Camilla isnegative, her sisters could still havethe mutation.”Continued*Note that this response could be exemplary or proficient, depending upon the nature of the class discussions. If it extends reasonablyfar beyond class discussions, it would be exemplary.Teacher Support Materials, Module 4 (Page 3 of 4)TSMPage 4-13