Principles of public health ethics and a tool for ethical reflection for professionals in a world of turmoil.

BACKGROUND

Since the original publication of the Seven Principles of Public Health Ethics, the world has gone through a global pandemic. Rising nationalism, and political tensions have become increasingly heated. In other words, we are in a state of turmoil. This paper aims to restate the principles for the current context and introduces a practical tool for public health professionals to apply to guide ethical reflection.

METHODS

The seven-principle approach is reviewed in light of feedback received personally, at academic events and from the literature over the last more than ten years. Two revised original tools specifying the principles are integrated into one.

RESULTS

The case for explicit and transparent public health ethics is made, followed by an overview of important philosophical ethical theories. Then, each revised principle is explained and one practical tool for ethical decision-making is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors suggest that this tool can contribute to improving public health decision making by laying out a clear and simple framework for ethical decision-making, which is helpful to contribute to public trust and reasonable public health practice in a world of turmoil.