How Bodily Integrity Is a Core Ethical Value in Care of Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Sociology of Health
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Chronic homelessness significantly affects patients' perceptions of bodily integrity.
• These perceptions can clash with medically necessary interventions recommended by clinicians.
• Understanding this conflict is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the conflict between patients' conceptions of bodily integrity and clinicians' recommendations in the context of chronic homelessness.
• To propose a capabilities-based model for reframing healthcare as a shared responsibility.
• To improve the collaborative relationship between patients experiencing homelessness and healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on a capabilities-based framework.
• Literature review on bodily integrity, homelessness, and healthcare ethics.
• Case study analysis (implied, not explicit in abstract).

Main Results:

• Patient conceptions of bodily integrity, influenced by homelessness, may impede acceptance of interventions like dialysis or amputation.
• A capabilities-based model offers a framework to understand and navigate these conflicts.
• Reframing healthcare as shared can foster better patient-clinician collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Addressing conflicts requires acknowledging patients' lived experiences and perspectives on bodily integrity.
• A capabilities-based approach promotes shared decision-making and respects patient autonomy.
• This model can enhance the effectiveness and ethical delivery of healthcare for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.