The nature of healthcare ethics

There is more awareness of ethical challenges facing practitioners in the healthcare environment. Rehabilitation professionals find themselves on the forefront of many of the ethical situations that arise. The ethical decision-making skills are often in the nascent stages for many allied healthcare practitioners. An understanding of the terminology and the ethical challenges that confront practitioners is part of practice in all settings. The older population presents additional challenges, as there is an increased possibility for vulnerability within the geriatric community. Although the ethics terminology is universally applied across populations and communities, there are certain challenges that are specific to the population. For example the principle of justice looks at the distribution of resources across the population. It is of particular concern when recognizing the issues surrounding Medicare funding today and for the future.