Chapter 24 Flashcards
Defintion of Ethics
The systematic study of rightness or wrongess of human conduct and character as known by natural reason
Defintion of Laws
Regulations established by the government applicable to people within a certain polictical subdivision
Defintion of Morals
Generally accepted customs, principals, or habits of right living of conduct in a society and the individual’s practice in relation to these
Morals are based on:
Religious beliefs
Rationalization
Conviction of what is right and wrong
Definition of Values
An individual’s belief system that governs how he/she acts
-honesty, respect, integrity, and responsibility
Define Professional Ethics
Common concern for collective self-disipline - control of the profession from within
What is the Code of Ethics
Statement of acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the profession (A form of legislation)
Who wrote the 10 ethical standards?
ASRT - American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Who endorsed and published the 10 ethical standards?
ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
What are the Standards of Profession Conduct?
Practice behaviors that are more specific than the general statements in the Code of Ethics
Used by Lawyers in court
What does ASRT call the Standards of Professional Conduct?
Practice Standards
Who does ethics apply to? Control comes from? The enabling source is? What are the sanctions?
Applies to a specific group
Control is within the group
Enabling source - Code of Ethics
Sanctions - expulsion
Who does the law apply to? Control comes from? Enabling source? Sanctions?
Applies to political subdivision
Control from outside group
Enabling source - legislation
Sanctions - fines/prison
Who does morals apply to? Control from? Enabling source? Sanctions?
Applies to individuals
Control from conscience
Enabling source: religious writing
Sanctions - shame/guilt
What is Professional Etiquette?
Manners and politeness towards patients generally accepted by the professionals.
Etiquette is NOT the Code of Ethics or the Practice Standards
4 Step Process of Ethical Dilemmas
- Identify the Problem
- Develop alternatives
- Select the best alternative
- Defend the selection
How should you identify the problem?
Consider every aspect - be sure you have all pertinent information
How should you develop alternatives when dealing with an ehtical dilemma?
View dilemma from the perspective of the patient, patient’s family, healthcare professionals, administration, and society as a whole - make no judgements
How to select the best alternative when dealing with an ethical dilemma?
Based on widely held moral standard - also in full accordance with your own individual value system
How to defend the selection of ethical decision?
Explain basis of your ethical decision in terms you can justify to both colleagues and patients
How do medical professionals adhere to morals?
“Do no harm”
2 categories of ethical theories
- Consequentialism
- Non-consequentialism
Difference between consequentialism and non?
Consequentialism - End justifies the means (judging the outcome, not the action itself)
Non - End does not justify the means (judging the action, not the result)
What is a social contract?
Unwritten contract - tech and patient recognize certain expectations of each other and act accordingly
What is Ethics of Care?
Emphasizes the need for accurate understanding of moral competence
Based on sympathy, compassion, love and kindness
What is rights-based ethics?
Based on understanding of human rights - based on rights of life, liberty, expression and property
What is principle based ethics?
The use of moral principles as a univerisal guide to action
Types of Moral principles
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Autonomy
Veracity
Fidelity
Justice
What is Beneficence?
Bring about good. Perform act that benefits patient
What is Non-maleficence?
Prevent harm. Never perform acts that harm a patient. (ordering unnecessary radiological exams)
What is Autonomy?
Address concept of respect. One individual cannot force another to make a choice against her choice/will
What is Veracity?
Telling the truth
What is Fidelity?
Being faithful. Perform acts that observe covenants or promises
What is Justice?
Acting with fairness or equity. Perform acs that ensure fair distribution of goods
Code of Ethics does not discrimate against:
Age
Sex
Race
Weight
