When you are considering responses to healthcare situations, it is important to be able to quickly identify the underlying ethical and bioethical theories driving a proposed solution. While completing the Ethical Theories Worksheet, consider the core elements of the theory that must be addressed in the solution.
utilize the main ethical and bioethical theories in solutions to a proposed scenario.
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
Part One: Propose a solution to the following scenario using each of the five ethical theories presented in this module. Explain how your solution aligns with the major ideas within each theory.
Scenario: There is a pandemic of a contagious disease. In the United States, there is only enough of a vaccine to cover 70% of the population. How do you determine who gets the vaccine?
Part Two: Consider the same scenario, but explain what process you would need to add to your solution to protect the bioethics principles.
Sample Answer
Ethical decision-making in healthcare, especially during crises, demands a deep understanding of underlying ethical and bioethical theories. These frameworks provide a structured approach to analyzing dilemmas and proposing justifiable solutions.
Part One: Proposing Solutions Based on Ethical Theories
The scenario presents a classic ethical dilemma: limited resources (vaccine for 70% of the population) during a pandemic, necessitating a decision on allocation. Let's explore solutions through the lens of five ethical theories.
1. Utilitarianism
Major Idea: The greatest good for the greatest number. Actions are judged based on their outcomes, aiming to maximize overall happiness, well-being, or benefit while minimizing harm.
Proposed Solution: A utilitarian approach would prioritize vaccination for individuals who are most critical to societal functioning and those most likely to experience severe outcomes or transmit the disease widely.
Healthcare Workers: Frontline medical staff would be vaccinated first to ensure the healthcare system remains operational, minimizing morbidity and mortality across the population.