Introducing the ethical cycle model for resolving ethical conflicts in medical practice: addressing challenges in treating pandemic patients

Ensieh  Madani; Ali  Dizani; Saeedeh Saeedi  Tehrani; Mansure  Madani

doi:10.18502/jmehm.v17i15.18667

Ensieh Madani Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities & Islamic Studies, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran. Iran
Ali Dizani PhD Research Candidate in Ethics and Philosophy of Technology, The Department of Values, Technology & Innovation, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
Saeedeh Saeedi Tehrani Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics, Medical Ethics Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mansure Madani Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics, Spiritual Health Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran; Department of Health ethics and philosophy, School of health and religion, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v17i15.18667

Keywords: Medical ethics; Ethical problem-solving; Ethical cycle; Reflective equilibrium; Ethical case study.

Abstract

Ethical dilemmas are among the most important ethical problems in medicine. With the advent of COVID-19, the moral problems of physicians have taken on new dimensions as the specific features of this disease pose additional ethical challenges that require particular solutions. One common way to solve ethical dilemmas is to use ethical decision making models. One of the most recent models in ethics of technology is the “ethical cycle” developed by Ibo van de Poel. By describing and comparing several models, this paper examines the application of the ethical cycle to physicians' ethical problems and medical ethics. This model can help solve complex problems in consultations and ethics committee meetings because it is comprehensive and covers various aspects of the discussion. In this model, first the ethical problem is formulated and analyzed and then the potential options for action are proposed. Subsequently, by referring to ethical theories and professional codes of conduct in the medical field, as well as applying the method of "reflective equilibrium," an ethical decision is reached. This decision is specific to each case and may not necessarily be the best solution for other individuals or situations.