Antibiotic resistance: ethical aspects of an urgent challenge Antibiotika-Resistenz: Ethische Aspekte einer drängenden Herausforderung
Littmann J, Buyx A (2015)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2015
Journal
Book Volume: 27
Pages Range: 301-314
Journal Issue: 4
DOI: 10.1007/s00481-014-0328-2
Abstract
Definition of the problem In this article the ethical challenges posed by antibiotic resistance (ABR) are discussed. Arguments We outline the causes of ABR and argue that an effective policy to combat the challenge in the future will necessitate a drastic reduction of antibiotic use. However, such a reduction will lead to ethical problems, which policy makers must take into account. ABR not only exacerbates existing normative challenges in infectious disease control, but creates new problems that have not yet been addressed. In this article, it will be argued that these new problems arise mainly with regard to the fair distribution of scarce resources and the regulation of collective actions. Conclusion In this paper a contractualist approach to establish fair policies for the restriction of antibiotic use is suggested and its practical implications are discussed. To this end, we introduce and defend a threshold for the acceptable risk of an adverse outcome to which a patient may legitimately be subjected.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Littmann, J., & Buyx, A. (2015). Antibiotic resistance: ethical aspects of an urgent challenge Antibiotika-Resistenz: Ethische Aspekte einer drängenden Herausforderung. Ethik in der Medizin, 27(4), 301-314. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00481-014-0328-2
MLA:
Littmann, Jasper, and Alena Buyx. "Antibiotic resistance: ethical aspects of an urgent challenge Antibiotika-Resistenz: Ethische Aspekte einer drängenden Herausforderung." Ethik in der Medizin 27.4 (2015): 301-314.
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