• Journal of medical ethics · Aug 2020

    Relational ethical approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • David Ian Jeffrey.
    • Edinburgh Palliative and Supportive Care Group, University of Edinburgh Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK dijeffrey@btinternet.com.
    • J Med Ethics. 2020 Aug 1; 46 (8): 495-498.

    AbstractKey ethical challenges for healthcare workers arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are identified: isolation and social distancing, duty of care and fair access to treatment. The paper argues for a relational approach to ethics which includes solidarity, relational autonomy, duty, equity, trust and reciprocity as core values. The needs of the poor and socially disadvantaged are highlighted. Relational autonomy and solidarity are explored in relation to isolation and social distancing. Reciprocity is discussed with reference to healthcare workers' duty of care and its limits. Priority setting and access to treatment raise ethical issues of utility and equity. Difficult ethical dilemmas around triage, do not resuscitate decisions, and withholding and withdrawing treatment are discussed in the light of recently published guidelines. The paper concludes with the hope for a wider discussion of relational ethics and a glimpse of a future after the pandemic has subsided.© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

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