An Introduction to Global Health Ethics

by Pinto; Andrew D.

• ISBN13: 9780415681834
• ISBN10: 0415681839
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2013-01-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Global health is a rapidly expanding field and more and more trainees are studying and working with marginalized populations, particularly within low and middle-income countries. However, such experiences are often beset by ethical dilemmas around issues such as health inequalities, power differentials and cultural competence as well as more common bioethical concerns such as informed consent and the ethics of research. This accessible textbook supports students to understand and work through key areas of concern, ensuring that they are able to practise ethically globally. Divided into two sections covering the theory and practice of global health ethics, the text begins by looking at definitions of global health and the field's historical context. It draws on feminist, anti-racism and postcolonial perspectives and concepts such as social justice and human rights to explore how students can situate themselves as health professionals in low and middle income countries. The second part focuses on ethical challenges students may face in their clinical experiences or research. Topics such as cultural competency, informed consent, working with indigenous communities, the politics of global health and ensuring the research process works for local people are explored using a case study approach. This textbook, which includes discussion questions, recommended resources, further readings and case studies, is ideal for students from a range of disciplines including public health, medicine, nursing, law and development studies undertaking undergraduate and graduate courses in ethics or placements overseas.