Models of Ethical Decision Making in the Field of Healthcare Services – A Literature Review

Abstract

We conducted a Pubmed/Medline database survey of ethical decision-making models in medical practice and health care. Material and methods. The Pubmed/Medline database search included papers published from January 2000 to October 2023. Twenty-three articles were included in the current review. Results. The present study shows that the number of articles concerning the approach to ethical decision-making in medical practice has increased in recent decades. There are many scientific articles related to ethical approaches to health decisions. Articles analyzing a model or framework for dealing with “new age” ethical situations and emerging ethical dilemmas are fewer. In recent decades, the so-called shared decision-making model has been followed more often, as shown by the present study. Conclusions. The existence of such health models creates specific ethical situations in which patients and health professionals often find themselves. This outlines the need of developing a framework for dealing with ethical situations.