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Abstract
In this report we use a case study of risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) to illustrate the contribution of systematic literature reviews of disease-specific ethical issues (DSEI). In particular, we show how ethically-relevant empirical data from such reviews can be used in the examination of the reasons for and against a particular normative approach to our DSEI. That is, we have attempted to offer a normative recommendation in response to the question of whether or not the risk of SUDEP should be disclosed to all patients. This case study functions as a form of empirical bioethics by providing a means of assessing empirical claims underlying reasons. As a result of this process, we are then able to provide clear and transparent, if not definitive, justification for a normative recommendation in response to a question of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Paul Scott Lapinski for his integral role in the development of the search strategy and for assisting with access to key resources.
Conflicts of interest
None of the authors have any disclosures.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval was not obtained since the study only involved the review of publicly available documents.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Robert Torrance
RT and RCT participated in the conception and design of the study. RT and CHY participated in the data collection and data analysis. All authors contributed substantially to the interpretation of data for the work. All authors were involved in drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final version for publication.
Chang-Ho Yoon
RT and RCT participated in the conception and design of the study. RT and CHY participated in the data collection and data analysis. All authors contributed substantially to the interpretation of data for the work. All authors were involved in drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final version for publication.
Andrew B. Torrance
RT and RCT participated in the conception and design of the study. RT and CHY participated in the data collection and data analysis. All authors contributed substantially to the interpretation of data for the work. All authors were involved in drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final version for publication.
Robert C. Tasker
RT and RCT participated in the conception and design of the study. RT and CHY participated in the data collection and data analysis. All authors contributed substantially to the interpretation of data for the work. All authors were involved in drafting the work and revising it critically for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final version for publication.