Matthew Hunt1,2, Nicole E Pal3, Lisa Schwartz4, Dónal O'Mathúna5,6. 1. School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Sir-William-Osler Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y5, Canada. matthew.hunt@mcgill.ca. 2. Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Montreal, QC, Canada. matthew.hunt@mcgill.ca. 3. School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Sir-William-Osler Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y5, Canada. 4. Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. 5. School of Nursing & Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. 6. College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: As mental health professionals assist individuals and communities affected by disaster, they are likely to encounter ethical issues. We conducted a review of academic and grey literature to identify ethical issues associated with the provision of mental health care during disasters, with particular attention to children and families. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified nine categories of ethical challenge: ensuring competent care; protecting confidentiality and privacy; obtaining informed consent and respecting autonomy; providing culturally sensitive care; avoiding harm; allocating limited resources; maintaining neutrality and avoiding bias; addressing issues of liability and employer responsibilities; and conducting research ethically. The organization and provision of mental health services during disasters presents ethical challenges for care providers-as well as for communities, coordinators, and policymakers. Mental health professionals need to navigate this ethical terrain in order to provide needed care to individuals and communities affected by crisis.
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: As mental health professionals assist individuals and communities affected by disaster, they are likely to encounter ethical issues. We conducted a review of academic and grey literature to identify ethical issues associated with the provision of mental health care during disasters, with particular attention to children and families. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified nine categories of ethical challenge: ensuring competent care; protecting confidentiality and privacy; obtaining informed consent and respecting autonomy; providing culturally sensitive care; avoiding harm; allocating limited resources; maintaining neutrality and avoiding bias; addressing issues of liability and employer responsibilities; and conducting research ethically. The organization and provision of mental health services during disasters presents ethical challenges for care providers-as well as for communities, coordinators, and policymakers. Mental health professionals need to navigate this ethical terrain in order to provide needed care to individuals and communities affected by crisis.
Entities:
Keywords:
Children; Disasters; Ethics; Health services; Humanitarian crises; Mental health
Authors: Lawrence S Wissow; Lainie Rutkow; Nancy E Kass; Peter V Rabins; Jon S Vernick; James G Hodge Journal: Disaster Med Public Health Prep Date: 2012-01-04 Impact factor: 1.385