Ruth Horn Dr, University Research Lecturer - University of Oxford |
-
03.10.2017-30.10.2017
Prenatal WGES and professional responsibilities in shaping public healthcare provision
In this project, using empirical bioethics methodology, we are aiming to provide an account of the ethical and social responsibilities professionals driving technological innovations have in relation to possible changes in the healthcare system and health provision.
In a first step, we will conduct a conceptual analysis of the arguments employed in bioethics, philosophical and public health literature. We will focus on theories of professionalism and scientific responsibility, and the impact of knowledge in shaping public healthcare policies.
In addition to this theoretical analysis, we will examine professionals’ perception of their role in the transfer of genomic responsibilities from the public healthcare system to the individual. 20 face-to-face semi-structured qualitative interviews will be conducted with professionals (foetal medicine specialists n=10; research nurses/midwifes n=5; lab analysts n=5) involved in a large research project on the Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes (PAGE). Ruth Horn is part of the PAGE project. (http://www.sanger.ac.uk/science/collaboration/prenatal-assessment-genomes-and-exomes-page) The data will be examined using thematic analysis.