An ethical framework adapted for infection prevention and control.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Ethics
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)

Background:

• Ethical implications in infection prevention and control (IPAC) are acknowledged but lack a guiding framework.
• Existing literature identifies ethical principles in IPAC but does not offer a systematic decision-making structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt an existing ethical framework for systematic, fair, and transparent decision-making in IPAC.
• To develop practical guidance for applying ethical principles in IPAC contexts.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature search for ethical frameworks relevant to IPAC.
• Adapted an existing ethical framework with input from healthcare ethicists.
• Developed practical application guidelines and refined the framework based on end-user feedback and real-world case studies.

Main Results:

• Identified 7 articles on ethical principles in IPAC, none offering a systematic framework.
• Developed the Ethical Infection Prevention and Control (EIPAC) framework with 4 actionable steps.
• Application highlighted the importance of equitable benefit/burden distribution and proportional impact assessment in IPAC decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The EIPAC framework provides an actionable, principles-based tool for IPAC professionals.
• It supports reasoned and just decision-making in complex IPAC situations across all healthcare settings.