Relational ethical approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Medical Ethics
David Ian Jeffrey

Abstract

Key ethical challenges for healthcare workers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are identified: isolation and social distancing, duty of care and fair access to treatment. The paper argues for a relational approach to ethics which includes solidarity, relational autonomy, duty, equity, trust and reciprocity as core values. The needs of the poor and socially disadvantaged are highlighted. Relational autonomy and solidarity are explored in relation to isolation and social distancing. Reciprocity is discussed with reference to healthcare workers' duty of care and its limits. Priority setting and access to treatment raise ethical issues of utility and equity. Difficult ethical dilemmas around triage, do not resuscitate decisions, and withholding and withdrawing treatment are discussed in the light of recently published guidelines. The paper concludes with the hope for a wider discussion of relational ethics and a glimpse of a future after the pandemic has subsided.

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Citations

Jul 30, 2020·Journal of Medical Ethics·Kenneth Boyd
Feb 23, 2021·Journal of Advanced Nursing·Nina HalbergTrine Schifter Larsen
Mar 16, 2021·Nursing Ethics·Sheila ShaibuIsabel Kambo
Mar 30, 2021·International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship·Penelope Anne Cash, Pertice Moffitt
Apr 2, 2021·BMC Medical Ethics·Marta Perin, Ludovica De Panfilis
Jun 27, 2021·Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy·Carlos Gómez-Vírseda, Rafael Amo Usanos
Aug 20, 2021·Frontiers in Public Health·Basma M SalehMohamed Salama
Jul 14, 2021·Journal of Nursing Management·Michelle M NessKristen Evans
Nov 26, 2021·Public Health Nursing·Lucy Joo-Castro, Amanda Emerson

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