SH7053 - Ethical Issues in Healthcare (2024/25)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||||||
Module title | Ethical Issues in Healthcare | ||||||||||||
Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||
School | School of Social Professions | ||||||||||||
Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module provides an opportunity for in-depth inquiry at an advanced level into the ethical dimensions of contemporary healthcare and public health, and examines the application of normative ethical theories and approaches to practical dilemmas in healthcare. It explores professional and personal moral values in relation to ethical issues in healthcare and public health, and critically explores connections and contradictions between ethical theory, sector-specific professional ethics, policy and law.
The module aims to:
Develop your knowledge and understanding of the ethical dimensions of contemporary healthcare
Apply appropriate skills and knowledge when critically inquiring into contemporary ethical issues in healthcare
Test your criticality and analytic skills in relation to ethical practice in healthcare
Provide opportunities to reflect critically on negotiating personal moral values in relation to ethical issues in professional healthcare practice
Syllabus
The indicative syllabus includes:
The place of ethics in healthcare and public health (LO1). A review of normative ethical theories and approaches relevant to healthcare policy and practice (LO2). Law, policy and codes of ethics in healthcare (LO2). Various topics which may include: autonomy, competence and consent in healthcare; resource allocation and priority setting in healthcare; Fairness & equity in health care; Public health ethics; Global health ethics; QUALY systems; cultural diversity in healthcare; human rights and healthcare; ethics of the health-worker/patient relationship; ethical dimensions of various practices in primary care & wider health-related contexts; how social theories can contribute to an understanding of ethical dilemmas in healthcare (LO 1,2,3,4).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module will be presented through an integrated programme of interactive mini-lectures, seminars, tutorials and small-group work, together with the guided use of student-centred learning resources via the VLE. Lectures will be provided to give a conceptual framework. Student-centred assignments will enable students to reinforce and expand their knowledge, and develop subject-specific skills and competence.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
- Identify the ethical dimensions of contemporary issues in healthcare
- Be able to locate those aspects within the framework of normative ethics and professional ethical decision-making
- Demonstrate capacities for ethical decision-making in healthcare contexts
- Demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on personal ethical beliefs with respect to ethical issues in healthcare
Bibliography
● See Online Reading List for which texts are Core and Additional readings, and which are available as E-books or hard copies.
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/1E9061D9-89AF-DB76-AACE-9112A80B9B64.html?lang=en