2021 Others

Question 1

What are necessary components of legally valid consent?

Answer 1

1) informed
2) related to the intervention
3) without misrepresentation
4) voluntary without coercion
5) individual must have capacity to provide consent
6) ongoing

Question 2

You are a public health physician consulted on the principles used to implement public health measures at the population in order to curb the spread of the infectious disease X across the province. What are some ethical values for and against implementing city-wide lock down amongst other measures.

Answer 2

In favor of the public health measures:
Upshur framework (https://www.ncchpp.ca/docs/2016_eth_frame_upshur_En.pdf)
-Harm prevention - These public health measures will prevent morbidity and mortality associated with infection by disease X as well as preserving the health capacity.
-Least restrictive means - Education, facilitation and discussion have been tried but not working effectively to have everyone to follow public health measures, so it is justifiable to move to the next available option of mandatory city-wide lock-down
-Non-discriminate application - Lock-down affects everyone.
-Reciprocity - individuals and businesses not able to generate income due to the city-wide lock-down are being compensated financially by the province.

Against the public health measures:

• Autonomy of individuals - restricting the freedom of individuals
• Transparency - The names and qualification of people appointed to give input into the decision-making process are not known, so unsure all legitimate stakeholders that should be involved are actually involved in the decision-making process.

Question 3

List steps in risk communication

Answer 3

EPA’s 7 Cardinal Rules for Risk

1. Accept & involve the public as a legitimate partner (also demonstrate respect and involve early)
2. Listen to the audience (including validating their emotion)
3. Be honest, frank and open (including any data uncertainties, strengths and weakness)
4. Speak clearly, accurately, relevantly and with compassion in a timely manner
5. Coordinate and collaborate with other credible sources
6. Meet the needs of the media
7. Plan carefully and evaluate performance
   * Can also give people meaningful things to do to calm anxiety, help restore order and promote a restored sense of control.