ihp420_ethical_theories_worksheet
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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Dec 6, 2023
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IHP 420 Ethical Theories Worksheet
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 the
vaccine to cover 70% of the population. How do you determine who gets the vaccine?
Theory
Solution
a.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is the ethical theory and utilization
of providing what is best for the greater good.
This theory negotiates “right from wrong” and
then determines mode of action.
Using a utilitarianism approach, we would first
vaccinate those with a greater need. This
population may include vulnerable populations
such as the elderly, immunocompromised
populations, and populations in crowded living
situations. With any leftover supply we can work
to vaccinate healthcare professionals and those
who work directly with vulnerable populations.
Lastly, we can work with any remaining supply to
those who do not fall into the previously listed
criteria.
b.
Rights-based ethics
The right-based ethics approach does what is
right for all and requires fair and mirrored
treatment(s) to all.
With this approach we would have to vaccinate
everyone equally, due to limited supply we would
need to find a system that gives everyone a fair
and unbiased approach to obtaining vaccination.
Lottery systems could be utilized in this scenario
to randomly select individuals without bias.
c.
Duty-based ethics
Duty-based ethics encourages to do what is right
for others who are most need. Suggesting there is
moral obligation to care for others prior to
ourselves others are in greater need.
Similarly, to utilitarianism we would vaccinate
those who administer and care for the
convalescent. Those in greater need would be
second such as elderly populations, pediatrics,
Part Two
Consider the same scenario, but explain what process you would need to add to your solution to protect
the bioethics principles.
Principle
Solution
a.
Autonomy
Autonomy requires individuals to have
independence in their decision making, and
in this example for the vaccine. The
individual will need to be given education,
risk, benefits, and any other pertinent
information and the opportunity to address
concerns before deciding on whether they
would like to take the vaccine.
b.
Beneficence
Beneficence would be the act of
administering the vaccine with intent to do
good without harm. Ensuring patients
understand their right with taking or not
taking the vaccine and educated them on
both risk and benefit and encouraging an
outcome that only brings them to good
health and does not pose harm to their life.
c.
nonmaleficence
With nonmaleficence there is to be no harm
done to patients and if risks outweigh
benefits patients should be discouraged
from taking the vaccine as it would have
negative outcomes.
d.
Justice
With Justice patients would be given fair and
equal opportunity to understand and make
decision on taking or not taking the vaccine.
References
Fremgen, B. F. (2020).
Medical law and ethics
(6th ed.). Pearson.
McGuire, A. L., Aulisio, M. P., Davis, F. D., Erwin, C., Harter, T. D., Jagsi, R., Klitzman, R.,
Macauley, R., Racine, E., Wolf, S. M., Wynia, M., & Wolpe, P. R. (2020). Ethical
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challenges arising in the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview from the Association of
Bioethics Program Directors (ABPD) task force.
The American Journal of Bioethics
,
20
(7),
15–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2020.1764138
Ndugga, N., & Artiga, S. (2023, May 24).
Disparities in health and health care: 5 key questions
and answers
. KFF. https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-
brief/disparities-in-health-and-health-care-5-key-question-and-answers/