Open AccessWhen Giants Meet—a Discourse on Contemporary and Alternative Therapy Use from an Ethical Perspective
Author(s) -
Cindy Shiqi Zhu,
Wee Lee Chan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
asian bioethics review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.249
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 1793-8759
pISSN - 1793-9453
DOI - 10.1007/s41649-018-0051-2
Subject(s) - beneficence , autonomy , harm , bioethics , medical ethics , economic justice , health care , multiculturalism , medical law , engineering ethics , context (archaeology) , perspective (graphical) , sociology , environmental ethics , medicine , nursing , law , political science , pedagogy , paleontology , philosophy , artificial intelligence , computer science , biology , engineering
In Singapore's multicultural society, a sizable proportion of the population subscribes to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In this article, we discuss the impact this has on medical practice in the context of the four principles of medical ethics. To uphold the principle of autonomy, we propose a non-judgmental approach towards patients who use CAM. Nevertheless, in order to promote health (beneficence) and prevent harm (non-maleficence), the safety profiles of CAM must be studied through systematic research. In addition, the principle of justice is one concerned with the fair distribution of scarce healthcare resources, while granting equal access to healthcare regardless of beliefs. Understanding CAM from an ethical perspective allows for the provision of safe, holistic, and culturally relevant care.