On pandemics and the duty to care: whose duty? who cares?
2006
On Pandemics and the Duty to Care
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Carly Ruderman, Tracy C. Shawn, Cécile M. Bensimon, Mark Bernstein, Laura Hawryluck, Randi Zlotnik Shaul, Ross E.G. Upshur
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
What are the obligations of health care professionals during infectious disease outbreaks?
Conclusion
Health care professionals need clear guidelines regarding their rights and responsibilities during pandemics.
Supporting Evidence
- SARS exposed vulnerabilities in health care systems.
- Approximately 30% of reported SARS cases were among health care workers.
- Professional codes of ethics are silent on duty to care during outbreaks.
- Health care professionals face significant risks during pandemics.
Takeaway
Doctors and nurses have a special job to help people, especially when there are really bad sicknesses going around, but they need to know what is expected of them.
Limitations
Current codes of ethics are often vague and do not provide sufficient guidance for health care professionals during outbreaks.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website