Am J Psychiatry 1987; 144:839-846
Copyright © 1987 by American Psychiatric Association
A model for ethical problem solving in medicine, with practical applications
EM Hundert
Despite the dramatic increase over recent years in the research and
teaching of medical ethics, there exists no theoretical framework within
which to conceptualize ethical problems in medicine, to say nothing of
solutions to these problems. The model proposed here attempts to fill this
void by developing a conceptual understanding of the nature of moral
dilemmas that can be applied to both theoretical and practical problems in
medicine. Practical applications are demonstrated in three areas: personal
ethical problem solving, hospital ethics committees, and the teaching of
medical ethics. Suggestions are offered for the extension of these and
other applications of the model, a model proposed as a foundation to be
built upon through further research and daily experiences in a world of
conflicting values.
