Ethical Challenges in Short-Term Global Health Training

Vignette 2: Ben discusses the issue with his advisors at his home institution and his local supervisor. All agree that, in this case, it is best for Ben to wear his N95 mask to protect himself from acquiring TB even though by doing so those around him immediately recognize him as an outsider. However, by discussing the issue openly, the collaboration was not threatened.

Feeling relieved, Ben then realizes he has more than enough N95 masks for his time at the prison. He is considering donating them to others working with the prisoners. He recognizes that N95 masks cannot be shared effectively due to the specifics of individual fitting. It is important to note that packs or donated
medical supplies can often be confiscated at borders if appropriate procedures are not observed.

When Ben is deciding to whom he should give his spare N95 masks, what is the main ethical principle involved?

Select

Beneficence.

Beneficence is the principle that relates to promoting the wellbeing of others. Although Ben is trying to promote others’ wellbeing, this is not the main issue. Choose a different answer.

Select

Non-maleficence.

Non-maleficence is the principle that relates to protecting others from harm. For example, Ben has a responsibility to let colleagues know that an ill-fitting mask is not fully protective. This could do harm if the colleague felt unrealistically protected. Although Ben is trying to protect his local colleagues from harm, this is not the main issue in selecting who gets the masks. Choose a different answer.

Select

Justice.

This is correct. When Ben is helping determine who will receive the N95 masks, this is an issue of justice (more specifically, distributive justice). For those involved in short-term training experiences abroad, recognizing even day-to-day decisions that bring up issues of distributive justice is important.

Select

Autonomy.

Autonomy is the principle that relates to individuals making their own decisions. This is not the main issue in this case. Choose a different answer.

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Ethical Challenges in Short-Term Global Health Training
Homepage About the Case Series Cases Developing Cultural Understanding Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Ensuring Personal Safety Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Exceeding Level of Training Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Ensuring Sustainable and Appropriate Benefits Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Addressing "Ancillary Benefits" Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Recognizing Burdens Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Shifting Resources Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Telling the "Truth" Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Selecting a Research Project Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Understanding Informed Consent for Research Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Additional Resources (pdf) Acknowledgements and Funding Contact Us	Ben decides to call Dr. Polyakova and offer her a mask. Click image to start video. View transcript CASE 2: Ensuring Personal Safety Vignette 2: Ben discusses the issue with his advisors at his home institution and his local supervisor. All agree that, in this case, it is best for Ben to wear his N95 mask to protect himself from acquiring TB even though by doing so those around him immediately recognize him as an outsider. However, by discussing the issue openly, the collaboration was not threatened. Feeling relieved, Ben then realizes he has more than enough N95 masks for his time at the prison. He is considering donating them to others working with the prisoners. He recognizes that N95 masks cannot be shared effectively due to the specifics of individual fitting. It is important to note that packs or donated medical supplies can often be confiscated at borders if appropriate procedures are not observed. When Ben is deciding to whom he should give his spare N95 masks, what is the main ethical principle involved? Select Beneficence. Beneficence is the principle that relates to promoting the wellbeing of others. Although Ben is trying to promote others’ wellbeing, this is not the main issue. Choose a different answer. Select Non-maleficence. Non-maleficence is the principle that relates to protecting others from harm. For example, Ben has a responsibility to let colleagues know that an ill-fitting mask is not fully protective. This could do harm if the colleague felt unrealistically protected. Although Ben is trying to protect his local colleagues from harm, this is not the main issue in selecting who gets the masks. Choose a different answer. Select Justice. This is correct. When Ben is helping determine who will receive the N95 masks, this is an issue of justice (more specifically, distributive justice). For those involved in short-term training experiences abroad, recognizing even day-to-day decisions that bring up issues of distributive justice is important. Select Autonomy. Autonomy is the principle that relates to individuals making their own decisions. This is not the main issue in this case. Choose a different answer. View all responses Click Next to proceed…