Moral challenges in managed care

Managed health care in South Africa is faced with complex moral challenges, where different stakeholders appeal to different ethics principles to guide decision making. The traditional bio-medical ethics principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and respect for autonomy are typically emphasised in...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Leandri Hattingh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Health and Medical Publishing Group 2015-11-01
Series:South African Journal of Bioethics and Law
Online Access:http://www.sajbl.org.za/index.php/sajbl/article/download/431/437
Description
Summary:Managed health care in South Africa is faced with complex moral challenges, where different stakeholders appeal to different ethics principles to guide decision making. The traditional bio-medical ethics principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and respect for autonomy are typically emphasised in clinical practice, while third party funders appeal to the principle of justice to guide the allocation of limited, pooled resources. Health care professionals working in managed care are particularly exposed to these conflicts, vis-à-vis incongruence between the ethics guidelines from their professional bodies and the legislation pertaining to managed care. Common understanding of the claims and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders may promote a more coherent, sustainable health care system. 
ISSN:1999-7639