The role healthcare professionals should play in resolving the ethical issue.

Full Answer Section

• Potential for Coercion: Concerns that governments or employers may use contact tracing to coerce individuals into certain behaviors.

Role of Healthcare Professionals in Resolving the Ethical Issue:

Healthcare professionals have a critical role in navigating the ethical complexities of digital contact tracing. I believe they should:

1. Advocate for Patient Privacy and Data Security:
   • Healthcare professionals should advocate for strong privacy protections and data security measures to safeguard patient information.
   • They should promote transparency about how data is collected, used, and stored.
2. Ensure Informed Consent:
   • They should provide clear and unbiased information to patients about the risks and benefits of digital contact tracing.
   • They should ensure that patients understand their right to opt-out and that their decision will not affect their access to care.
3. Promote Equity and Access:
   • Healthcare professionals should advocate for equitable access to contact tracing technologies and support programs that address digital literacy gaps.
   • They should work to mitigate potential disparities in access and outcomes.
4. Educate the Public:
   • They should play a role in educating the public about the ethical considerations of contact tracing and promoting responsible use of technology.
   • They should help to dispel misinformation and address public concerns.
5. Participate in Policy Development:
   • Healthcare professionals should contribute to the development of ethical guidelines and policies for the use of digital contact tracing.
   • They should advocate for policies that prioritize patient rights and promote public trust.

Ethical Theories and Codes:

1. Principle of Autonomy:
   • This principle emphasizes the right of individuals to self-determination and informed decision-making.  
   • Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients have the information and capacity to make autonomous decisions about participating in digital contact tracing.
   • The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics emphasizes patient autonomy and informed consent.  
2. Principle of Nonmaleficence:
   • This principle requires healthcare professionals to "do no harm."
   • They should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of contact tracing and take steps to minimize potential harm to patients.
   • Potential harms include privacy violations, discrimination, and psychological distress.
3. Principle of Justice:
   • This principle calls for fair and equitable distribution of resources and benefits.
   • Healthcare professionals should advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to contact tracing and prevent disparities in outcomes.
   • The principle of Justice is also a central tenet of the ANA code of ethics.  
4. Public Health Ethics:
   • Public health ethics balances individual rights with the collective good.  
   • Healthcare professionals should consider the potential benefits of contact tracing for controlling the spread of disease, while also respecting individual rights and freedoms.
   • This includes the idea of the least restrictive means, when implementing public health measures.

By adhering to these ethical principles and codes, healthcare professionals can help to ensure that digital contact tracing technologies are used in a responsible and ethical manner.

Sample Answer

Article Selection:

After searching the WCU library databases, I've selected the following article:

• Title: "Ethical considerations of using digital contact tracing for COVID-19: A scoping review"
• Authors: Meslin, E. M., & Upshur, R. E. G.
• Journal: Journal of Medical Ethics
• Year: 2020

Summary of the Ethical Issue:

This article examines the ethical implications of using digital contact tracing technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital contact tracing involves using smartphone apps and other technologies to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The review highlights several key ethical concerns:  

• Privacy Violations: The collection and storage of personal data, including location data, raise concerns about privacy and potential misuse.  
• Informed Consent: Ensuring that individuals understand the risks and benefits of contact tracing and provide informed consent.
• Data Security: Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches.
• Equity and Access: Ensuring that contact tracing technologies are accessible to all populations, including those with limited access to smartphones or digital literacy.  
• Potential for Discrimination: Concerns that contact tracing could lead to stigmatization and discrimination against individuals who test positive for COVID-19.