Ethical Approaches to Public Policy for Health: A Focus on Principles and Working Together

Abstract

News about the healthcare crisis, including strikes in multiple countries, workforce shortages, ambulance diversion and delays on entry to emergency rooms, closing floors while demand for beds increases, long waits for appointments in primary and specialty care, and shortages of supplies and medications all lead to proposed solutions for each issue. The point must be noted that these also point to some basic questions. This Commentary calls for a “back to basics” approach that requires dialogue (not just talking but listening) and a focus on some of our primary principles.