The Ethics of Ignorance (and Uncertainty) and Iatrogenesis, a Public Health Problem

Authors

  • Andreu Segura Benedicto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1344/rbd2019.0.27782

Keywords:

ignorància, incertesa, ètica, prudència, atrogènia

Abstract

Iatrogenesis is now, one of the main public health problems, which we tend to attribute exclusively to errors and negligence, belittling the exaggerated health interventionism promoted by consumerism and also due to the denial of ignorance and the intolerance of uncertainty. The consideration of doubts and mistakes from an ethical perspective can contribute to the better understanding and prevention of the damages associated with medical and public health practice by promoting prudence as an essential value of those who have to make decisions on people's health.

Author Biography

Andreu Segura Benedicto

Doctor en Medicina. Metge especialista en Salut Pública. Jubilat. Actualment vocal del Comitè de Bioètica i dels consells assessors de salut pública i de l'estratègia d'atenció primària i salut comunitària. Editor convidat en salut comunitària de Gaceta Sanitaria. Coordinador dels grups de treball sobre ètica i salut pública i Anàlisi i Prevenció de la Iatrogènia de SESPAS.

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Published

2019-02-04

How to Cite

Segura Benedicto, A. (2019). The Ethics of Ignorance (and Uncertainty) and Iatrogenesis, a Public Health Problem. Revista De Bioética Y Derecho, (45), 11–24. https://doi.org/10.1344/rbd2019.0.27782