Impact of the politics of austerity in the quality of healthcare: ethical advice.

This article aims to provide a series of reflections before implementing a restructuring of health system management and cutbacks in health due to the possible consequences this may have on citizens' health. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that public healthcare shall be extended to the whole population in conditions of effective equality and overcoming geographical and social imbalances, based on a comprehensive approach to the healthcare system. All of this--while we are aware of the current situation of economic crisis--should be taken into account before carrying out adjustments that will harm the health of citizens and options or alternatives that will not affect equity and healthcare should be weighed up. In conclusion, management models that enable the empowerment of nursing are more justified than ever before, because it is nurses who mostly defend positions of patient advocacy towards attitudes of greater commitment and participation.