Ethical decision-making in epidemiology: the case study approach

The experience of other health professions that have been concerned with professional ethics over the past number of years can be directly applied in epidemiology. A schematicized model, adapted from Storch and based on the nursing experience, provides a synthesis of those considerations necessary for ethical decision-making. An example demonstrates the process by which the model can be used. While a checklist procedure is regarded as neither useful nor appropriate for making an ethical decision, the existence of professional ethics guidelines is deemed a prerequisite, because it embodies the profession's values and social responsibilities. The place of professional ethics guidelines in making an ethical decision is central to the model and is shown to be fundamental to continued ethical conduct among epidemiologists.