Healthcare Ethics and Human Values: An Introductory Text with Readings and Case Studies [Paperback]

K. W. M. (Bill) Fulford (Editor), Donna L. Dickenson (Editor), Thomas H. Murray (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0631202242 | ISBN-13: 978-0631202240 | Publication Date: February 25, 2002 | Edition: 1

This volume illustrates the central importance of diversity of human values throughout healthcare. The readings are organized around the main stages of the clinical encounter from the patient's perspective. They run from staying well and 'first contact' through to either recovery or to long-term illness, death and dying.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is rare to find a collection of readings that offers a new perspective on healthcare ethics, but this one does. Fulford, Dickenson, and Murray have put together an inspired anthology that reflects diversity, enhanced by the original approach in the editors' framing of the issues. It will be an invaluable resource in bioethics." Ruth Chadwick, Lancaster University

"This rich and exciting collection highlights the diversity of values among patients and professionals in healthcare. It effectively uses narrative accounts along with more formal approaches to illustrate and illuminate diverse values in the clinical encounter. I strongly recommend this volume, and I look forward to using it in my courses."James F. Childress, University of Virginia

"A fascinating kaleidoscope of thoughts, analysis, and ideas covering a wide range of ethical issues." Kenneth C. Calman, University of Durham

"This is a feast of a book – poems, philosophical essays, memoirs, stories about patients and doctoring, even a little social science. It demonstrates that 'healthcare ethics,' unlike the medico-legal kind, must draw on a knowledge of the human condition and the variety of values brought to illness and care by people on both ends of the stethoscope." Kathryn Montgomery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago

"The range of styles of contributions from the short poems to the evidence-based pieces makes this a very different text. This volume certainly makes a good introduction to healthcare ethics... a welcome and refreshing addition to libraries and reading lists for those with an interest in bioethics." International Journal of Nursing Studies, Vol. 40, 2003

From the Back Cover

This volume illustrates the central importance of diversity of human values throughout healthcare. The readings are organized around the main stages of the clinical encounter from the patient's perspective. They run from staying well and "first contact" through to either recovery or long-term illness, death, and dying.

An introductory section opens up crucial issues of methodology and of practical application in this highly innovative approach to the role of ethics in healthcare. The contributions include selections from literature and poetry, canonical and newly commissioned articles, and first-hand narrative by patients, care givers, and professionals. The readings speak volumes to the diversity of human values operative in healthcare.

The volume as a whole conveys the message that these values are far more diverse than any of us normally recognize. Raising awareness of this diversity is the first step to developing a practically effective healthcare ethics.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (February 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631202242
• ISBN-13: 978-0631202240
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,915,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)