The ethical dilemmas experienced by front line healthcare professionals at times of austerity; the case of Greece. (360G-Wellcome-104107_Z_14_Z)

The 2008 financial crisis and the austerity measures which followed, have gravely affected healthcare systems in many European countries, including Greece. For instance, Greece has witnessed hospital budgets reduced by 40% and increased unemployment, which has left 1.5 million people without public health insurance. Studies in developing countries show that the availability of healthcare resources shapes the nature and intensity of ethical decision-making for frontline staff. Yet, the effects of austerity on the ethical dilemmas of medical practice in developed countries remain unexamined. This study seeks to explore the ethical issues of health professionals in austerity-laden countries. Its initial focus will be on Greece where the austerity measures have had a dramatic effect on the healthcare landscape. This study's key goal is to investigate the ethical issues faced by frontline healthcare professionals at times of financial instability and austerity. It will be multi-disciplinary in using both semi-structured interviews and ethical analysis in exploring the effects of austerity on doctor-patient relationships, and relationships between healthcare professionals and the institutions in which they operate. This study's findings will provide rigorous and independent data that could inform health policy in Greece and other countries that consider restructuring of their healthcare system.