Define Evidence based medicine
"The conscientious, judicious and explicit use of current best evidence when making decisions about the care of individual patients"
What are the 3 parts of the Evidence based medicine?
Collecting the best external evidence
Applying the best individual expertise
Acknowledging patient values and expectations
What does evaluation bypass dictates?
Dictates whether a procedure is used in healthcare or not.
only evaluated and useful procedures are used in healthcare
However unevaluated procedures may be used due to public enthusiasm, political convictions or commercial pressure. This is a problem as it means procedures with a lack of evidence may be used, this can cause harm
Give an example where lack of evidence practice lead to harm
Thalidomide
Marketed as sleeping pill in 1950s, Claimed to be safe in pregnancy
In the late 50s and early 60s it was also used to combat morning sickness
In 1961 a connection was made between thalidomide and an epidemic of congenital defects. Early mortality rate was 40% in affected babies. In the UK 5070 babies were affected
What is an AAAA framework and what is it used for?
This framework is used to scrutinise new knowledge being presented. A doctor should keep up to date.
Assess - what type of healthcare question, what type of study?
Access - finding the best evidence in terms of validity and relevance
Appraise - evaluating the quality of evidence and interpreting the results
Act - is the evidence relevant to clinical practice. Should it be used to change my practice
What type of study designs are preferred to answer questions on - frequency, aetiology, prognosis, effectiveness, diagnosis and patient experience?
Question
Question type
Study design
How common is it, who gets it?
Frequency
Ecological; cross-sectional
What causes it?
Aetiology / risk factor
Case-control; cohort
What happens to those who have it?
Prognosis
Are there any treatments for it?
Effectiveness
(harm / benefit)
Randomised controlled trial (RCT)
Do the treatments have side effects?
How do we find out if someone has it?
Diagnosis
Special cross-sectional/test accuracy study
What is the patient's experience of it?
Patient experience
Qualitative research
What are the 2 categories of epidemiological studies ?
Describe the types of descriptive studies and its uses
These are observational studies - used to answer questions about frequency and patterns of disease e.g how much, time, place, person and distribution.
Data is collected at population level (ecological) or at individual level (cross sec, case report , case series)
Ecological studies = info is collected from whole population to compare disease frequency. Can be different population and the same time or same population at different times.
Cross sectional studies = Info is collected in a planned way from individuals in a defined population at one point in time/time period. e.g population / community surveys, health survey for england and census.
case report = detailed report of unusual condition occurrence in a single patient
Case series = detailed report of an unusual condition in several patients
Describe the types of Analytical studies and its uses
Explicit comparison of 2 or more groups of individuals - aims to establish if an exposure causes outcome (cause and effect).
The exposure can be harmful or benefit. Two types: Observational (cohort or case control) and intervention (clincial trials)
Observational = researcher is an observer of exposure and outcomes. Exposure is not under the control of the researcher due to ethical reasons.
Case control - study starts with identification of an outcome e.g. disease. Compares exposure (multiple) in those with the disease (cases) to those without (control). If the level of exposure is higher in cases, the exposure may be a risk factor e.g What causes lung cancer (smoking, asbestose, pollution) (retrospective)
Cohort - study starts with identification of one exposure e.g risk factor. Compares those exposed to those not exposed to a factor. Both groups followed over time and the disease development (multiple outcomes) measured and compared. If the incidence is higher in case group, the exposure might be a risk factor. e.g does smoking cause lung cancer (prospective)
Interventional / experimental = researcher allocates exposure and observes outcome.
RCT - Researchers decide whether participants receive the new intervention being tested or receive a control treatment (Rx vs placebo). The trial ? effectiveness of the intevention. Have design feature that can increase validity and reduce bias. E.g does HRT in post menopausal women reduce their risk of IHD / stroke.
What are the differences between case control and cohort study?
Case control study
Cohort study
Can investigate multiple exposures
Can only investigate one exposure
Can only investigate one outcome
Can investigate multiple outcomes
Recruitment is based on presence or absence of outcome, do not need to wait for outcome
You must wait for the outcome to occur after recruiting on the basis of exposure, so loss to follow up is a problem for diseases with long latency periods
Groups for comparison are based on presence of the outcome, this overcomes the problem of rare outcomes
For rare outcomes, lots of exposed individuals need to be recruited
What type of research study is used to evaluate patient’s experience of a condition?
Qualitative research - Healthcare questions about patient, carers and professional experiences. e.g
Why do patients continue to smoke despite evidence of harm and RCT evidence that nicotine replacement therapy is effective
Why don't parents immunise children even though the evidence for benefit far outweighs any harms
Qualitative research answer these questions by collecting non-numerical data about people’s subjective understandings of their lives and experiences. These are indepth studies of small no of individual in a specific setting, rather than aiming for generalisability.
Multiple methods are available - direct observation / individual interviews and group interviews.
Which tool is used as a framework for practicing evidence based medicine?
AAAA
Assess: what type of healthcare question or study is most appropriate
Access: finding the 'best' evidence (validity and relevance)
Appraise: evaluate quality and interpret results
Act: is the evidence relevant to clinical practice, should it change my practice?
Give an example how ‘Assess’ from AAAA framework can be used
E.g If a patient comes with lower back pain, Dr want to refer him for physio but patient asks for chiropractor. Dr want to know the effectiveness of the chiropractor compared to physio.
Assess —> define a clinical question, what study desing?
The clinical Q: is there a beneficial treatment
Best study design for effectiveness: RCT
PICO framework can be used to formulate questions
What other framework can you use to formulate questions (Assess) for effectiveness type of clinical question?
PICO framework - important for efficient searching for evidence in electronic bibiliographic database e.g. pubmed, and for assessing the applicability of the research to the patient
Population: those who are eligible for treatment with the intervention
Intervention: new treatment
Comparator: existing treatment / usual care (no Rx)
Outcome: mortality, morbidity, physiological measures e.g. blood pressure, blood glucose, pain relief
Give clincial example how to use PICO framework
A 45 year old man consults GP) for treatment for his chronic low back pain. Dr would normally refer him physiotherapy but the patient has requested a referral to a chiropractor. Dr want to know how effective chiropractic treatment is, compared to physiotherapy, for the treatment of low back pain before deciding where to refer him.
P = Adult with chronic back pain
I = Chiropractic treatment
C = Phyiso
O = outcome Dr want to measure
Where can you look for a RCT for ‘Access’ in AAAA framework?
The Cochrane Library
Bibliographic databases such as Medline, PubMed, Embase
MEDLINE and EMBASE have study design filters (including an RCT filter)
PUBMED has a clinical query facility
Describe what methods of search can you use to find RCT about the effectiveness of a treatment.
E.g. to know the effectiveness of chiropractor in treating lower back pain in adult:
Use the component of the clinical question (elements of PICO) - to narrow search results
Start with the intervention / population of interest. E.g. Chiropractic Rx, adults
Use alternative terms e.g. manipulation
Use MESH terms (Medical subject heading)
Use ‘and / or’
How can you evaluate (Appraise - AAAA) the quality of evidence to see if its free from bias and reliable?
Appraisal questions:
Does the study address a Q relevant to my clinical problem? e.g. is there a match between PICO and study question / population interested
Does the study design likley to give valid ans to the Q? e.g for effectiveness did the study use RCT
Was it done well / trustworthy? e.g steps taken to reduce bias
If it was done well, what were the results? e.g. direction, size, precision, statistical significance
Define bias vs Imprecise
Bias = Systematic deviation from the normal value (in same direction), can affect validity, usually an over estimate of the effect.
Imprecise = wide variability, less certain (hit or miss), can affect precision
What are the key features of RCT design that minimise bias?
Random allocation of participants to either New intervention or comparator treatment (or no Rx)
Having control group helps to compare if pt would get better with existing or no Rx, increases sample size.
Allocation concealment - hides allocation of participants and those recruiting until they actually start the Rx = reduce selection bias (not same as blinding)
Blinding - minimise measurement and performance bias
If the study population or HCP know which arm of the study pt in, they may have preconceived ideas about the Rx (placebo effect) - it may lead to disappointment and not engage e.g. if in placebo group
Intention to treat - helps minimise attribution bias
Why is Random allowcation in a RCT important?
If we allow manufacturer of a drug to allocate - they may deliberately choose patient who has milder form of the disease who will get better with or without treatment > which may over estimate the effectiveness of the new drug and not true respresentation of the true population
If we allow participant or clinician to choose - they are likely to choose people who has chronic issue, resisitant to previous treatment.
So random allocation minimise selection bias
What levels of blinding take place in RCT?
4 groups of people involved in RCT are: Participants, clinicians delivering the Rx, researcher measuring outcomes and staticians analysing. The more blinding possible, the better
Single blind - only one group is blinded
Double blind - 2 groups are blinded
Triple blind - 3 groups are blinded
What causes attribution bias in RCT and what can help to minise it?
Patients may be lost to follow-up at different points in a trial
They may be available for outcome measurement but not adhere to trial protocol (not taking the new / allocated Rx)
Patients drop out for a reason from either arm e.g side effect from new Rx or ineffectiveness of new Rx.
also patient from control group is likely to drop out as they are not receiving Rx
Intention to treat analysis helps to minimise it - analysis includes all the original participants regardless of adherance to protocol.
What is intention to treat analysis? give example
e.g In a RCT of new analgesia (intervention) compared to ibuprofen (comparator) for back pain. Some participants allowcated for new Rx did not take it, instead buys OT ibuprofen. What can be done to these pt to ensure validity?
They should still be analysed with the group who took the new drug. This is due to intention to treat analysis.
Analysis includes all participants in groups they were originally assigned regardless of: compliance, withdrawal or protocol deviation
This helps to preserve randomisation - mimics real world scenarios (if a pt is poor compliant in a trial, they are likley to be in real world) and avoids over estimating the treatment effect.
When interpreting (appraising) a study results, what does Relative Risk (RR) means?
RR is the risk in exposed group / risk in unexposed group - measures the strength of association.
RR = 1: no difference between the treatment group and the comparator group (null value)
RR > 1: more outcomes in the treatment group than comparator. e.g Chiro (Rx) vs physio (control)
RR 1.35 = pt in chiro group is 35% more likely to be pain free than physio)
RR < 1: less outcomes in treatment group than comparator
When interpreting (appraising) a study results, what does Risk difference (RD) means?
RD = risk in exposed group - risk in unexposed. Measures absolute effect. E.g comparing physio vs chiro
RD = 0: no difference between treatment and comparator groups. Both physio + chiro same effect (null value)
RD > 0: (+ve) more risk of outcome in treatment group than comparator group. Chiro is more effective than physio
If RD is +0.22 = 22% = 22/100 more pt in the chiro group felt better compared to physio
RD < 0: (-ve)less risk of outcome in treatment group than comparator group. Chiro is less effective than physio
What is ‘Number needed to treat’ ?
This is the no of patients who needed to be treated with the treatment compared to control group to achieve one more patient with an outcome = 1/RD
e.g physio/chiro study with NNT +4.5 —> extra 5 patient (always round up the number) would need to be treated to achieve one more patient with no pain in the chiro group.
So higher the no of patient needed to treat = lower the effectiveness of the drug
What are the P values in a study?
Chance and precision —> outcome of a study shoud be cheked to see if the results are statistically significant or due to chance alone.
This is done through hypothesis (statistical) testing using P values.
P value of 0.05 = there is a 5% probability that the observed result is due to chance
Smaller the P value, the higher the chance that the results are true and not by chance.
How can a Dr decide (Act) to change their practice based on the evidence from a study?
Sometimes the evidence found may be valid but not relevant to the patient population.
If no evidence found that the intervention is better than the original Rx, then the patient should continue the existing Rx
Check to see if the study considered all outcomes (including harms), is the trial setting mimics the Dr’s setting, cost of the new intervention, what other Rx available and their cost, finally if the workforce is skilled enough to offer the Rx.
What does confidence interval mean?
CI – range of values likely containing the true effective size.
95%CI – if study repeated 100x, 95/100 intervals contain true value. So a wide CI means estimate or more uncertainty, a narrow CI means more precise
e.g if RR of a study is 2.1, the CI can range between 1.29 to 3.41.
Why do we need systematic reviews?
Review of all literature on one particular question using scientific methods
What are the reasons for the differences between different RCTs?
Chance
differences in people, intervention / comparator
Differences in care, way Rx effects measured, follow-up
Reporting of available evidence and selection from available evidence
What is publication bias?
Occurs when the publication of research results depends on their nature and direction. Either be:
+ve result bias = authors are more likely to submit or editors accept positive than negative or inconclusive results
outcome reporting bias = Several outcomes within a trial is measured but are reported selectively depending on the strength and direction of those results
What is a systematic review?
Research method used to synthesis multiple pieces of research evidence on effectiveness of a treatment.
Review of all literature on one specific topic using scientific methods to answer a specific question
What are the stages in a systematic review?
Define a Qustion - Use PICO
E.g The effect of aerobic exercise (intervention) compared to lifestyle modification (comparator) to reduce cardiovascular risk (outcome) in obese men (population)
Write a protocol - Description of methods
Search for studies - using biniliographic databases like Medline, EMBASE.
Select relevant studies - Unbiased manner by using more than one reviewer to independently select relevent studies using pre-defined selection criteria based on PICO
Appraise studies - unbiases assessment of quality of each study by 2 or more independent reviewers using CASP checklist to draw strength / weakness of selected studies
Analyse & summarise data - statistical techniques to combine quantitative results from several studies (meta analysis)
Interpret results - unbiased interpretation
Discussion and conclusion - provide summary of the findings, considers the implication of the findings in the context of current practice and knowledge and outlines future research.
What is meta-analysis and its uses?
It is a statistical technique used to combine the quantitative results of various studies.
combines data from RCT for the same intervention, compared to the same comparator in the same population for the same outcomes.
It combines this data to produce a summary effect for intervention vs control/comparator for that outcome.
This gives a stronger and more precise measure of effect of intervention vs comparator.
Meta analysis column components:
1st Name of the studies used
2nd / 3rd is data from intervention / comparator
Forest plot
last column - relative risk and confidence intervals
How to read a forest plot in a meta-analysis?
Vertical line = line of no difference between intervention and comparator. (this equals to RD of 1 or mean value of 0)
If the diamonf lies entirely to one side of the line of no difference, the results are statistically significant (+ve or -ve)
What are the advantages of systematic reviews?
Best source of evidence on effects and effectiveness of interventions
Assimilation of large amount of research evidence which is better than single study
Provide reliable, unbiased estimates of effect
increase precision of effects
Provide information on generalisability and consistency
Identifies missing information for future studies
Useful for making decision
Key differences between systematic and non systematic review
Define internal and external validity as 2 key components of critical appraisal
Critical appraisal is the systematic identification of strengths and weakness of pieces of information and application of that info within identified limits.
· Internal validity: Degree to which the effect observed is attributable to the evidence, rather than any other cause (such as bias and other methodological problems of the review).
· External Validity: Degree to which the review's conclusion applies to other persons in other places at other times (Only considered if internal validity is strong).
What is critical appraisal skills programme (CASP)?
CASP checklist is a tool designed to evaluate the quality and validity of research studies across various methods. Focus in 3 main sections:
Validity of the study
is the review trustworthy (internal validity)
Did it ask clear focus question (PICO)
Did it include right type of study?
Results of the study
Did they identify all relevant studies
was it reasonable to do meta-analysis
Heterogeneity - ?disimilarity in combined studies
Presentation of the results - RD, mean, differences, precision (CI)
Applicability / relevance (external validity)
Can the results be applied to local population?
risk vs benefit vs cost of changing the practice as a result of the finding in the study
How does the WHO define self-care?
The WHO defines self-care as ”the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without support from a health worker”.
recognise individual as active agents in managing their own health.
What are self-care interventions?
Self-care interventions are evidence-based tools such as
Quality drugs
devices
diagnostics or digital products
that support individuals in managing their own health, with or without professional support.
The users are individuals and caregiver who might choose these interventions for positive reasons, or those who dont have acccess to healthcare.
Give three examples of self-care interventions.
Examples of quality / cost effective interventions include:
pregnancy tests
HPV + STI self-test, HIV self-tests
self-monitoring of blood pressure / blood glucose
over-the-counter contraceptives.
Give reasons why individuals may choose self-care.
Positive reasons:
Convenience, cost-effectiveness, empowerment, and better fit with lifestyle or personal values.
To avoid the healthcare system
lack of quality healthcare or lack access
What does self-care mean in the context of the NHS?
Keeping fit and healthy while understanding when and how to seek help from a pharmacist, GP or other professional, and managing long-term conditions effectively.
Its about understanding the condition and how to live with it
What are the four functions of self-care proposed by Barofsky?
Restorative: to alleviate illness.
E.g. going to GP with symptoms and being told what they must do
Reactive: to alleviate symptoms.
E.g. taking medication from a pharmacy
Preventative: to prevent disease.
E.g. Recognising you are at risk of a particular condition (FH or risk of lung cancer if you smoke)
Regulatory: to regulate body processes.
E.g. Looking after your health
What is the difference between preventative and reactive self-care?
Preventative self-care aims to prevent disease, while reactive self-care aims to relieve symptoms after they occur.
What are the three components of self-care?
Self-care maintenance
Behaviours performed to improve well-being, preserve health, or to maintain physical and emotional stability
Self-care monitoring
A process of routine, vigilant body monitoring, surveillance or “body listening”
Self-care management
Evaluation to determine if action is needed, treatment implementation and treatment evaluation
Name the factors contributing to rise in self-care
Symptom management
Definitions of health and illness changing
Healthism/consumerism
Body maintenance
Changing beliefs about medical power and expertise
Internet use
Technology (e.g. self-testing kits)
Over-the-counter medication/on-line pharmacy
Increase in number of people with chronic disease
Expert patients
Patient choice/empowerment
Need to reduce NHS costs
What is multimorbidity?
The presence of two or more long-term health conditions in one person. Include physical, mental and infectious diseases
Why can multimorbidity lead to fragmented care?
Because conditions may be treated separately rather than holistically, leading to poorly coordinated and inefficient care > poor patient experience.
this can occur when an individual’s conditions are non-synergistic (not related in a way they can be treated together e.g. arthritis and HTN)
What is meant by synergistic conditions?
Conditions that are related and can be treated together, such as hypertension and heart failure.
What is a master status?
A dominant social identity that overrides other social roles and defines a person in most situations.
It is the primary identifying characteristic of an individul.
Whether ascribed or achieved, it overshadows all other social positions.
E.g. Upon qualifying, being a “doctor” would be master status (non medically) or medically - “patient with HTN”
In healthcare, master status (HTN) determines the priority assigned to particular condition e.g BP management is most important to avoid stroke
State two differences between acute and chronic illness.
Acute illness is usually short-term and curable, whereas chronic illness is long-term and often incurable; professional knowledge dominates in acute illness, while patients often develop greater illness knowledge in chronic conditions.
What is the aim of the Expert Patient programme?
To equip patients with chronic illnesses with the knowledge, confidence and skills to manage their own condition and work in partnership with health professionals (diet, exercise, setting goals, dealing with difficulties). Focuses on people with chronic illness (e.g. COPD, DM, MS, HIV) due to:
Ageing population & new concept of ageing
Co-morbidity
health service demand
Give four examples of Lorig et al’s self-management tasks in chronic disease.
Recognising & responding to symptoms,
medication management
maintaining nutrition / diet
engaging in exercise
Not smoking
managing stress
communicating with healthcare providers
Seeking info and using community resources
How has technology contributed to the rise in self-care?
Through the development of self-testing kits, digital health tools - smart watch, internet access to information, and online pharmacies.
What is the role of peer support in self-care?
It provides shared experience, emotional support and practical advice to help individuals manage mental and physical health conditions.
What is psychology in the context of medicine?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it influences behaviour, health, emotions, thoughts, and illness outcomes.
How can psychological factors influence physical illness?
Psychological factors can affect disease progression, treatment outcomes, and health behaviours such as smoking or medication adherence.
strong link between the both - an ill patient suffers both mentally and physically.
What is the focus of sociology in medicine?
Sociology examines how health, illness, and behaviours are shaped by social and cultural contexts.
What criticism does sociology make of traditional medical intervention?
It argues that traditional medicine focuses too heavily on biological and individual factors while ignoring wider social forces such as poverty and inequality.
Social determinants of health show disadvantage start before birth and accumulates throughout life.
Sociology helps to shift the perspective to wider social norm rather than individualism e.g complex social, economical and environmental factors.
What are the social determinants of health?
The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes and are responsible for health inequities > unfair & avoidable differences in healt status between countries.
These circumstances are shaped by distribution of money, power, global/national/local resources
Give three examples of social determinants of health.
Economic stability, education, neighbourhood/environment, healthcare access, and community context.
What is the biomedical model of health?
The biomedical model defines health as the absence of disease and focuses on biological causes of illness.
What are the key characteristics of the biomedical model?
It focuses on specific biological causes (germs, radiation, toxins, genetics), excludes psychological and social factors, relies on technology, and treats the body mechanistically.
What does Nettleton’s MMRIT critique of the biomedical model stand for?
Mind-body dualism (mind and body treated as separate entities).
Mechanistic (body is regarded as a machine that can be fixed)
Reductionist (Driven by germ theory, focusing on biological changes that cause disease only)
Ignoring social, cultural, biographical, and environmental explanations.
Over reliance on technology
What does reductionism mean in the biomedical model?
The approach of explaining disease purely in terms of biological processes, ignoring social and psychological influences.
How can health be defined despite disease?
It refers to individuals reporting good health and quality of life even while living with chronic illness.
Give four alternative personal definitions of health.
Health as absence of disease, health as functional ability, health as psycho-social wellbeing, health as physical fitness, health as energy and vitality.
How can migration act as a social determinant of mental health?
Migration can increase stress, social isolation, and exposure to discrimination, which are linked to higher rates of mental illness such as psychosis.
Why might cultural stigma affect help-seeking behaviour?
Cultural stigma may create shame or fear around mental illness, discouraging individuals from seeking professional help.
What is an explanatory model of illness?
An explanatory model is a patient’s personal understanding of their illness, including its cause, symtoms, and expected outcome.
E.g patient with back pain, when HCP asks what they think is causing the pain, they say likely lifting heavy object at work or being stressed lately.
Why are explanatory models shaped by social and cultural context?
Because beliefs about illness are influenced by culture, religion, social background, and personal experience.
How can two explanatory models coexist in one person?
A person may simultaneously hold medical and religious explanations for illness, both shaping their understanding.
e.g pt says DM caused by genetics and witch
What is humanism?
Humanism is a philosophy that prioritises human value, dignity, wellbeing, and evidence-based approaches to reducing suffering.
What are two key principles of humanism?
All individuals have equal worth and should be respected
Human happiness should be optimised while suffering is reduced.
in humanism, worth is not related to social status, a wealthy person is same as poor, as everyone has same inherent value
Human rights are derived from humanism - it not only addresses basic human rights but also their needs
How is the NHS linked to humanist values?
The NHS is based on principles of universal care, equal worth, and healthcare as a human right.
What is care ethics?
Derived from humanist ideology:
An ethical approach focused on meeting individuals’ needs through caring, respectful relationships.
Why is listening important in clinical practice?
Communicating ill experience is how humans cope with disease allowing then to receive acknowledgement and validation of illmess.
Listening improves diagnostic accuracy, strengthens therapeutic relationships, validates patient experiences, and improves outcomes.
How can not being heard affect biological stress pathways?
Not being heard activates stress pathways such as the sympatho-adreno-medullary axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
How can listening promote patient agency?
Listening helps patients feel validated and in control, increasing their ability to make informed decisions about their health.
What is meant by equality in being heard?
It refers to ensuring all patients are equally listened to and respected, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social class.
e.g. women with pain are perceived as emotional or somatic. Ethnic minorties generally feel more dissatisfied with communication from GP esp older age. Style of dressing, tattoo, being in lower socio-economic status can all impact equality.
How can hierarchy affect the doctor–patient relationship?
Hierarchy can reduce patient autonomy and participation, limiting their sense of control in consultations.
pt at bottom of social hierarchy have less autonomy / control over their lives / social participation.
What is meant by agency in healthcare?
Agency is the ability to act independently and make informed decisions about one’s health.
Dr seen as higher in the hierarchy in Dr-pt relationship > reduce agency in pt as they are powerless
How does intersectionality relate to inequality in healthcare communication?
Intersectionality refers to overlapping social disadvantages (e.g., gender and ethnicity) that compound inequalities in how patients are heard and treated.
How are human rights linked to health according to the WHO?
Health is considered a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed without discrimination based on race, religion, political belief, or social condition.
Define the term refugee.
A refugee is a person forced to leave their country of citizenship to escape war, persecution (race, religion, politics), or natural disaster.
Define the term asylum seeker.
An asylum seeker is a person who left their country of origin and applied for asylum in another country but whose claim has not yet been decided.
legally not allowed to work, benefit entitlement of £49.18/week.
Define the term undocumented migrant.
An undocumented migrant is someone living in a country without valid immigration documentation, including overstayers or trafficked individuals.
What is a refused asylum seeker?
A refused asylum seeker is someone whose asylum claim has been rejected and who has no ongoing protection claim.
Outline two humanist arguments supporting the rights of displaced people.
All humans have equal worth, and everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of health regardless of status.
How does humanism link to universal healthcare provision?
Humanism supports universal healthcare by asserting equal moral worth and the reduction of suffering for all individuals.
What are two common objections raised in public discourse about accepting refugees?
Concerns about terrorism, increased demand on services, and crime.
Gov primary responsibility is to their own citizens.
Summarise the evidence regarding refugees and terrorism.
Migration from war-torn countries are associated with increased attacks, but overall influence is limited and varies by context.
What are common mental health conditions affecting displaced populations > increase demands ?
PTSD (31%), depression (31%), anxiety disorders (11%), psychosis (1.5%), as well as grief and distress.
These can increase the demands on already stretched existing services. Meeting complex needs > significant investment and planning.
How can unmet needs increase crime risk among refugee populations?
Limited opportunities, unmet social needs, and lack of social or familial support can increase vulnerability to criminal activity.
What is moral reasoning?
The process of trying to determine whether something is right or wrong. A helpful skill for ethical decision making.
Outline Kohlberg’s six stages of moral reasoning.
Stage 1: Authority/punishment
Act is done to avoid punishment e.g. if i don’t let immigrant in, UN will punish me
Stage 2: Egoistic exchange
getting a favour in return e.g refugees give back more than they get (contribute to economy)
Stage 3: Interpersonal conformity
Being good - right thing to do
Stage 4: Societal maintenance
to keep global system running (trade and development)
Stage 5: Greatest good (utilitarianism)
What brings good to most people. e.g. accepting refuge > reduce suffering at tiny cost to accepting nation.
Stage 6: Commitment to ethical principles (justice).
Right thing to do because it satisfies demands of justice
What is the main focus of Kohlberg’s model of moral development?
Justice and the development of increasingly abstract principles of moral reasoning.
An ethical framework focused on meeting human needs through caring relationships and contextual understanding.
How does care ethics differ from justice-based ethics?
Justice ethics focuses on rights and abstract principles, whereas care ethics focuses on relationships and meeting human needs in context.
What is meant by a reductionist response in moral reasoning?
A reductionist response simplifies complex ethical situations by applying abstract principles without considering context.
In the Heinz dilemma (man steals drug to save his wife as he didn’t have enough money), how does the justice response justify stealing the drug?
It argues that the wife’s right to life outweighs the pharmacist’s right to property.
In the Heinz dilemma, how does the care response differ from the Reductionist response?
The care response considers long-term relationships and ongoing needs rather than simply applying abstract rights.
so if he steals the drug he might save the wife’s life but he need to go jail for stealing > if his wife get sick again, he is not there to take care.
Reductionist response is same as justice response - it ignores the complexity of the situation. It is concerned with whats right and not the consequences. It assumes that one individual must win.
How can care ethics be linked to the concept of clinical need in the NHS?
The NHS prioritises treatment based on clinical need, reflecting a care-based ethical approach.
Justice is around human RIGHT but care is around human NEED. (both are humanist)
What would an immigration system based on care ethics prioritise?
It would prioritise meeting the needs of refugees rather than focusing solely on legal rights or restrictions.
What is her immigration status?
What are her healthcare needs?
Will she need to pay to see a GP?
Undocumented migrant
Antenatal care, MH care and STI check
No, everyone in the UK is entitled to free primary care, regardless of immigration status.
She may need interpreter to see GP, need to be flaged as vulnerable and homeless, may not be able to receive referral letters, may not attend appt. Give guidance on 111, how to access NHS services, medication info
Her wider needs ( food, housing, social isolation)
What healthcare entitlements do refugees and asylum seekers have in the UK?
Refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to free NHS care, including prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests (with exemptions).
They may have barriers to access healthcare - Proof if ID / adress (there is no regulatory requirement to check and appt should not be withheld because of lack of proof).
What types of care must be provided regardless of ability to pay?
Service that are excempt - Immediately necessary and urgent treatment (A&E), including lifesaving and antenatal care, communicable disease.
Some groups (victims of trafficking / slavery / domestic abuse / sexual violence / FGM, or childer under care of local authority and Rx under MH act)
for 2ndary care services in UK, it is residence-based = must be living in UK lawfully on settled basis to be entitled to free healthcare. > charge applies to undocumented migrants / refused asylum seekers (except those above).
How can NHS charging policies act as a barrier to care?
Fear of unaffordable bills and data sharing with the Home Office can deter people from seeking care.
Bills > £500 and 2 months outstanding > reported to home office > detention / affects future asylum claim.
NHS somtimes wrongly charges those who should be exempt
How does moral reasoning support ethical decision-making in refugee health?
It enables clinicians to weigh justice, needs, and societal responsibilities when treating displaced individuals.
What is the difference between rights-based and needs-based approaches to refugee care?
Rights-based approaches focus on legal entitlements, while needs-based approaches focus on addressing human suffering and wellbeing.
Why is understanding social context important in refugee healthcare?
Because migration history, trauma, language barriers, and social exclusion significantly affect health needs and access to care.
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