Journal of medical ethics
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Journal of medical ethics · Aug 2009
Multicenter StudyThe principle of justice in patient priorities in the intensive care unit: the role of significant others.
Theoretically, the principle of justice is strong in healthcare priorities both nationally and internationally. Research, however, has indicated that questions can be raised as to how this principle is dealt with in clinical intensive care. ⋯ The principle of justice was violated when qualified attention was given to significant others, and through this also to patients. Attention given to significant others was influenced by the healthcare workers' professional and personal values, attitudes and interests.