Rural Healthcare Ethics

Overview

The foundations of healthcare ethics are universal but how we adhere to them can sometimes be altered by time, place and circumstances. This is particularly true in rural communities where we as healthcare workers have multifaceted personal relationships with those we serve. This module discusses the universal principles in light of rural realities.

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the principles of healthcare ethics and what they mean in practical terms.
2. Describe the many types of relationships that rural healthcare professionals may have with their rural community neighbors that may differ from those in urban areas.
3. Define the term “professional boundaries”
4. Define and discuss conscientious refusal and provision in a rural context
5. Define and discuss moral distress in a rural context

Module Author