Ethical Framework for Pandemic Influenza Planning
Author Information
Author(s): Alison K Thompson, Karen Faith, Jennifer L Gibson, Ross EG Upshur
Primary Institution: Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital
Hypothesis
How can an ethical framework guide decision-making in pandemic influenza planning?
Conclusion
An ethical framework can improve decision-making processes during a pandemic by incorporating ethical values and stakeholder engagement.
Supporting Evidence
- Ethical frameworks can help mitigate collateral damage during a pandemic.
- Stakeholder engagement is essential for the legitimacy of the ethical framework.
- The framework includes both procedural and substantive ethical values.
Takeaway
When preparing for a flu pandemic, hospitals need to think about fairness and ethics, not just science, to make better decisions.
Methodology
The framework was developed through stakeholder engagement and incorporates clinical, organizational, and public health ethics.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the lack of diverse stakeholder input, particularly from patients and families.
Limitations
The framework has not yet been vetted by direct patient and family representatives.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website