The Identification and Resolution of Ethical Issues in Health Care: Theoretical and Practical Viewpoints

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of ethical issues facing the health care industry – along with strategies for resolution. The issues were prioritized using the practical perspectives of twenty-six health professionals, employed in various setting in the health care field. The insight of these professionals was deemed most valuable based on the combination of professional experience and ethical training. The responses of the health professionals were compared with theoretical viewpoints of twenty-four healthcare management students enrolled in ethical / legal issues in health care class. The findings from each group were ranked in individual charts. A final chart was used to compare similarities and differences (variations) in the rankings. Suggested solutions for the ethical challenges were also provided by the health care professionals and the healthcare management students.