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Developing Guidelines for Ethical Response to Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Islamic Republic of Iran; [Elaboration De Lignes Directrices Pour Assurer Une Riposte Ethique Aux Flambees Epidemiques De Maladies Infectieuses En Republique Islamique D’Iran] Publisher Pubmed



Soleimani N1, 2 ; Bahmani F3 ; Parsapour A4 ; Larijani B4, 5 ; Shamsigooshki E4, 6
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Health Policy and Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
  2. 2. Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Medical Ethics, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. Monash Bioethics Center, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

Source: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal Published:2024


Abstract

Background: Ethical considerations are important in pandemic preparedness and response, however, there is a noticeable scarcity of ethical codes that are tailored to disease outbreaks and health emergencies. Aim: To document the development of guidelines for ethical management of infectious disease outbreaks in Islamic Republic of Iran, as a model for low-and middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a non-systematic scoping review on PubMed and Google Scholar for drafting the guidelines for ethical management of infectious disease outbreaks in Islamic Republic of Iran. The draft was discussed and revised following consultations with different groups of experts and the Medical Ethics Council of the Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences. Results: The joint assembly of the National Clinical Ethics Committee and the Supreme Council of Medical Ethics endorsed and introduced the revised document as official guidelines for ethical response to infectious disease outbreaks in Islamic Republic of Iran. The guidelines were based on a set of core values and principles: human dignity, liberty, maximizing benefits and minimizing risks, and justice and transparency. In 3 distinct sections, the document provides ethical guidance for healthcare system management and leadership; provision of health services; and for education, research and use of technology during health emergencies. Conclusion: The guidelines have been very useful in responding ethically to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be a need to adapt some of the recommendations for optimum benefits in specific contexts. It is necessary to create awareness of the existence of the document and educate healthcare professionals about its importance so they can apply the recommendations in their practice. © Authors 2024.