Handbook of Primary Care Ethics

This enterprising collection spans the breadth of primary care in multiple ways. Contributions from general practitioners, philosophers, nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, health economists, educationalists, patients and others reflect the rich variety that makes up primary care. Authors embrace the uncertainty inherent in the day-to-day reality of primary care, and practical advice sits alongside heartfelt accounts of issues that challenge practitioners. There is something here for everyone, whether the reader is looking for guidance on duties in primary care, a framework for analysing a difficult consultation, insights into the voice of the patient, or an understanding of the economics of primary care.

Wendy Rogers, Professor of Clinical Ethics, Macquarie University



With chapters revolving around practical issues and real-world contexts, this Handbook offers much-needed insights into the ethics of primary healthcare. An international set of contributors from a broad range of areas in ethics and practice address a challenging array of topics. These range from the issues arising in primary care interactions, to working with different sources of vulnerability among patients, from contexts connected with teaching and learning, to issues in relation to justice and resources. The book is both interdisciplinary and inter-professional, including not just ‘standard’ philosophical clinical ethics but also approaches using the humanities, clinical empirical research, management theory and much else besides.

This practical handbook will be an invaluable resource for anyone who is seeking a better appreciation and understanding of the ethics ‘in’, ‘of’ and ‘for’ primary healthcare. That includes clinicians and commissioners, but also policymakers and academics concerned with primary care ethics. Readers are encouraged to explore and critique the ideas discussed in the 44 chapters; whether or not readers agree with all the authors’ views, this volume aims to inform, educate and, in many cases, inspire.