Module catalogue

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

School

School of Social Professions

Total study hours

200

64 hours	Assessment Preparation / Delivery
100 hours	Guided independent study
36 hours	Scheduled learning & teaching activities

Assessment components

Type	Weighting	Qualifying mark	Description
Oral Examination	30%		An oral presentation identifying and providing a brief critical overview of an ethical issue in contemporary healthcare
Coursework	70%		3000 words essay critically discussing an ethical issue in contemporary healthcare.

Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Spring semester	North	Monday	Morning

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.