Question

Decide whether each statement is an example of ethical behavior, unethical behavior, or conflict of interest.

Francesca lies about the items a patient brought into the hospital at admission. She did not list a bracelet. The patient went home without noticing the bracelet was missing, and Francesca ended up keeping the bracelet herself.


Zoe is a hospital employee who sits on the interview panel to help the hospital decide who to hire. Zoe’s cousin is scheduled to have a job interview with the interview panel next month.


Chogan is a dentist who has a patient that always brings him a gift basket at every appointment. In return, the patient asks for special treatment, but Chogan always replies that he treats his patients fairly, so he does not accept the gifts.

Answer 1

1) Francesca — Unethical behavior.
She lied on the inventory and kept the patient’s bracelet (theft and dishonesty). This violates trust, patient property rules, and likely law/policy; it should be reported and the item returned if possible.

2) Zoe — Conflict of interest.
Having a close relative as an applicant creates a real potential for bias. She should disclose the relationship and recuse herself from the interview and hiring decisions.

3) Chogan — Ethical behavior.
Refusing gifts that could buy preferential treatment and continuing to treat all patients fairly is appropriate. (Best practice: document the refusal and follow institutional gift policies.)