Ruger JP. Ethics in American health 2: an ethical framework for health system reform.
Am J Public Health 2008;
98:1756-63. [PMID:
18703448 PMCID:
PMC2636451 DOI:
10.2105/ajph.2007.121350]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
I argue that an ethical vision resting on explicitly articulated values and norms is critical to ensuring comprehensive health reform. Reform requires a consensus on the public good transcending self-interest and narrow agendas and underpinning collective action for universal coverage. In what I call shared health governance, individuals, providers, and institutions all have essential roles in achieving health goals and work together to create a positive environment for health. This ethical paradigm provides (1) reasoned consensus through a joint scientific and deliberative approach to judge the value of a health care intervention; (2) a method for achieving consensus that differs from aggregate tools such as a strict majority vote; (3) combined technical and ethical rationality for collective choice; (4) a joint clinical and economic approach combining efficiency with equity, but with economic solutions following and complementing clinical progress; and (5) protection for disabled individuals from discrimination.
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