Deck 5: Public Health Ethics

Question 1

What makes ethical decision making in public health complex?

Answer 1

Public health decisions are typically made by groups of people within health agencies that have governmental affiliations, and these decisions affect populations of people. Thus, those making decisions need to be representative of the population affected by the decision, and the decisions should reflect what is best for all stakeholders.

Question 2

In what way does the notion of human rights conflict with the mission of public health?

Answer 2

Human rights may be regarded as individual in nature, and thus the "rights" of one are weighed heavily. However, the mission of public health is the protection and safety of the larger community, and in certain cases individual human rights must be trumped by the need to protect the larger population and improve the health of the community.

Question 3

What are some steps that need to be taken to help with the progression of and adherence to various public health ethic codes?

Answer 3

To improve the dissemination of public health ethics information, resources such as the Public Health Code of Ethics should be made available to all professionals involved in the public health system. In addition, action needs to be taken to improve communication with foreign countries regarding public health ethics. This is necessary as the health of most nations is interconnected via international travel as well as economically through foreign trade. Another means to improve public health ethics recognition is through appeals to private institutions that can impact the health of populations, such as industrial manufacturers. Through health education and collaboration, these private institutions can garner a better understanding and ability to balance their need to generate profit with their role in helping to protect the environment and their employees.

Question 4

Name and briefly explain the five key characteristics of public health decision making.