A Novel Approach to Public Health Crises Using Narrative Ethics

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines several public health issues using the novels The Stand by Stephen King and The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton. These two narratives both explore fictional U.S. events, one contained and one out of control, where microorganisms place either a community (The Andromeda Strain) or the entire country (The Stand) at risk. Both novels illustrate the significance of the roles of transparency of public health officials and distribution of accurate information to the public to minimize panic. Similarly, they also address the importance of collaboration of officials at many levels to protect individual, community and national health. When effective, these two efforts establish trust and reduce the spread of epidemics and pandemics worldwide. However, obstacles are many. They include difficult individual personalities which can hamper effective working relationships and the bureaucratic administrative structure of the U.S. public health system.