Keep the Balance right - Ethical issues and the view to quarantine during the SARS outbreak

Travail de Recherche , 2007 , 12 Pages , Note: "-"

Santé - Divers

INFORMATION: This issue is in fact a final report, NOT A DRAFT
Decision making in public health crises is associated with a high potential on ethical conflicts especially in restricting liberty measures such as quarantine. An effective and acceptable public health coping has the dual role of monitoring compliance and providing support to people in quarantine.
The global 2003 nonmedical response to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and experiences in various states like China, Vietnam, Singapore or Canada with large – scale quarantine, raised ethical questions in seeking the right balance between the tension of protecting the public`s health and human rights and human needs. The loss of liberty, privacy and free movement as well as experienced psychosocial harm like fear, discrimination and stigmatization were discribed as collateral damage but found problematic, also for further successful voluntary compliance.
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Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Background: Quarantine during SARS
• Conclusion
• Literaturverzeichnis

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This paper aims to analyze the ethical implications of quarantine during public health emergencies, specifically focusing on the SARS outbreak. It examines the tension between protecting public health and safeguarding individual rights and freedoms, exploring the challenges of balancing these competing interests.

• Ethical considerations in quarantine during public health emergencies
• Balancing public health protection and individual rights
• The impact of quarantine on individual liberty and privacy
• The role of compliance and support in effective quarantine measures
• Lessons learned from the SARS outbreak for future pandemic preparedness

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The paper begins by introducing quarantine as an ancient public health tool, tracing its history and highlighting its historical use in controlling infectious diseases. It discusses the ethical challenges associated with quarantine, including the potential for abuse of power and discrimination. The paper then delves into the SARS outbreak, examining the widespread use of quarantine in various countries, including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and Canada. It explores the impact of quarantine on individuals, including the psychological distress and social isolation experienced by those quarantined. The paper also analyzes factors influencing compliance with quarantine measures, highlighting the importance of clear communication, logistical support, and addressing concerns about economic hardship. Finally, the paper concludes by emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in the implementation of quarantine measures, advocating for a balanced approach that respects individual rights while effectively protecting public health.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include quarantine, compliance, ethics in public health emergencies, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), individual rights, public health protection, pandemic preparedness, psychological impact, social isolation, and ethical considerations.

• Université: Hamburg University of Applied Sciences ( Life Sciences)
• Note: "-"
• Auteur: Dipl. Gesundheitswirtin Kirsten Hermes (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2007
• Pages: 12
• N° de catalogue: V114593
• ISBN (ebook): 9783640149353
• ISBN (Livre): 9783640149810
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: SARS, plague, Ethics, Quarantine, Ethical principles