H Qs. Tamiflu and an influenza pandemic. Key Assessment Task: Questions

Transcription

1 Tamiflu and an influenza pandemic Key Assessment Task: Questions Learning Objective: Learning Outcomes: To learn about making decisions about science and technology. All of you will know that there are laws and regulations controlling scientific research, and the uses of science. All of you will be able to work out which groups of people are affected by something, and what the benefits and costs are for each group. Most of you will be able to identify when people are saying that the right decision is the one that helps the most people. Most of you will be able to identify when people are saying that some actions can never be allowed because they are unnatural or wrong. Some of you will be able to identify the ethical issue in a particular situation. Some of you will be able to tell the difference between scientific and non-scientific questions. Turn over Nuffield Foundation and University of York 2009 C21 KAT IaS6 Tamiflu H tier Qs page 1

2 1 Mr Roberts has a recipe for a flu treatment that was used in the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Mr Roberts wants to make some and sell it in his shop. Neil says that Mr Roberts needs a licence to sell a flu medicine he has made. A Is Neil correct? Who would Mr Roberts have to apply to: i) in the UK? ii) in the EU? 2 Look at the cards showing some different groups of people. A What is the advantage, to all these people, of being given Tamiflu? A disadvantage is the possibility of side effects. B Write one side-effect of Tamiflu. C Choose 3 cards which show groups that may be more at risk of side effects. 3 Tamiflu is an expensive medicine. At present, we do not have enough to give it to everybody. Three people are discussing how Tamiflu should be used. Frank We should just give Tamiflu to people who have been in contact with someone who has flu. You can t force a person to take Tamiflu. It has to be their decision. If we don t have enough Tamiflu for everybody, then we should not give it to anybody it is not fair to choose who should get it. Sandra Ken Nuffield Foundation and University of York 2009 C21 KAT IaS6 Tamiflu H tier Qs page 2

3 A Whose argument is based on the idea that the right decision is the one that leads to the best outcome for the majority of people involved? B Whose argument is based on the idea that certain actions are never justified because they are unnatural or wrong? 4 Look at the cards showing groups of people. Decide whether these questions about people on the cards are scientific or nonscientific, and tick ( ) the correct boxes: Question scientific Nonscientific Will Pete catch this flu? Has Sandra got this flu? Will Jade die if she catches this flu? Is Tom immune to this flu? 5 If the flu spreads to other people and is not being contained, then Tamiflu could be prescribed to people to prevent them getting flu. Look at the cards showing groups of people. A Pick 3 cards showing people you think should be given Tamiflu if there is not enough for everybody. B For each card, write down the reason why you chose the card. 6 Ali sorts the cards into sets. A The first set is B, C and D. A lot of people think it is most important for this group to receive Tamiflu. B The second set is A, E, J and K. Other people think it is most important for this group to receive Tamiflu. C The third set is G, H and I. Some people think it is most important for this group to receive Tamiflu. Nuffield Foundation and University of York 2009 C21 KAT IaS6 Tamiflu H tier Qs page 3

4 7 Frank says that he thinks old people should not be given Tamiflu if there is not enough. They have had many years of life and young people should have a chance. Sandra says that she thinks murderers and violent criminals should be last in line as they don t deserve to be helped. Tick ( ) the correct box to complete a sentence that best describes the ethical issue here: The ethical issue is whether old people have a higher risk of dying from flu whether a medicine should be given to everyone who needs it, without taking into account who they are whether violent criminals should have to pay for Tamiflu whether Tamiflu is more effective for young people 8 People have many questions about medicines like Tamiflu. How long will it take to produce enough Tamiflu for everyone in the country? Is it right to spend a lot of NHS money on expensive drugs like Tamiflu? Sasha Should we give Tamiflu to people who don t have flu, to stop it spreading? David If there is not enough Tamiflu for everyone, should we keep it for essential workers? John How long will it take to produce a vaccine for the flu? Amy Will the flu virus become resistant to Tamiflu? Moin Kirsty Nuffield Foundation and University of York 2009 C21 KAT IaS6 Tamiflu H tier Qs page 4

5 A Write down the names of the people who are asking about what we can do. (Technical issues) B Write down the names of the people who are asking about what we should do. (Values) C Which questions raise an ethical issue? Nuffield Foundation and University of York 2009 C21 KAT IaS6 Tamiflu H tier Qs page 5