Ethics and hospital administration

This article seeks to assist healthcare executives in focusing their thinking on the changing healthcare environment and on related ethical issues. An attempt is made to consider such major concerns as the allocation of resources, the development and use of technology, and the troublesome question of quantity versus quality of life. Also discussed are more specific and practical issues related to the workplace and how an individual executive might be affected by the problems of our time. Attention is directed to those personal choices that individuals must consider when making decisions associated with their professional activities. The conclusion suggests that after reviewing all the implications involved, a decision regarding what is right or wrong in a given situation ultimately rests with the individual administrator. Therefore, our personal background and philosophy on ethics is critical in determining our final decisions.