Chapter 6 Flashcards
Ethics & Professionalism
SDMS Code of Ethics Principles (3 principles)
- Promote patient well-being
- Promote the highest level of competent practice
- Promote professional integrity and public trust
What are ethics?
Set of morals, code of behavior that help inform a person as to what is right (moral) and what is wrong (immoral)
What are personal values? List some examples.
Things that someone holds in high regard and that are highly desirable and worthy of esteem
ex: family, friends, health, fitness, financial resources, home/place, leadership, leisure pursuits, personal growth, public service, spirituality, work satisfaction
3 ethical theories
Teleologic, Deontologic and Virtue
What is the Teleologic Theory?
-from Greek “telos” - goal/end: “the end in which we seek”
-rightness or wrongness of action is determined by the end (consequence)
-based on benefiting the largest amount of people
What is the Deontologic Theory?
-from Greek “deon” - duty
-making decisions out of obligation
-rules must be followed at all times regardless of consequences
ex: suicide bombers (they will do their “duty” regardless because of their beliefs)
What is Virtue Ethics?
-combination of teleologic and deontologic theories
-practical wisdom and moral character
-takes into account how decisions affect everyone involved
What is the “golden rule”?
“Do to others what you would have them do to you”
Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory (3 parts)
-deontological theory
-moral act is never influenced by self-interest
-moral person sees the act as duty
1. Act as if your action in each circumstance is to become law for everyone, yourself included, in the future
2. Always treat other human beings as “ends in themselves” and never merely as “means”. (i.e. never use people as a means to get what you want)
3. Always act as a member of a community in which all the other members of that community are “ends” just as you are (i.e. treat people equally)
What is ethical decision-making?
A process that we use to make choices based on our moral principles and personal values
What is a moral compass?
Internal compass that helps guide us as we face daily challenges that involve instances that require ethical decision-making
Describe ethics in action
-ethical decision-making
-moral compass
-be mindful of patient safety
-compassion for others outweighs the need to get done quickly
-true test of integrity - when no one is watching
Ethical Decision-Making Process (7 steps)
- define the problem
- know the principles, standards and laws that relate to the problem
- develop a possible course of action
- analyze the possible course of action
- choose the best course of action that represents your values
- review the results of your actions
- learn from your actions
What are medical ethics?
The application of moral principles in interactions with others in the medical profession, including coworkers, patients and the community
What is autonomy?
Self-governing, decision-making
What is beneficence?
Act in a way that benefits the patient
What is nonmalficence?
“Do no harm”
What is justice?
Treat everyone equally
What is confidentiality?
HIPAA
What is fidelity?
Fulfill one’s commitments
What is paternalism?
Prevent harm to persons if they have no input
What is sanctity of life?
No one has the right to decide that a life is of no value
What is veracity?
Truthfulness
What is respect of property?
Keep people’s belongings safe
Where do medical ethics interactions apply to?
-everyday patient care
-end-of-life decisions
-informed consent
-patient confidentiality
What are the objectives of SDMS Code of Ethics?
-Goal-promote excellence in patient care, foster responsibility and accountability, maintain integrity of the profession
What are ethical issues in sonography?
-non-diagnostic use of ultrasound (i.e. “keepsake imaging”)
-ultrasound screening for vascular disease
-state mandated ultrasound prior to abortion
What is professionalism?
An awareness of conduct, aims and qualities that define a profession
Professional principles:
Excellence, humanism, accountability, altruism, duty, honor and integrity, respect for others
What is professional etiquette?
The everyday practice of good manners and being agreeable within the exercise of one’s occupation
ex: firm handshake, say “Mrs.” or “Mr.”, do not be late, maintain eye contact, say “please” and “thank you”, clean up after yourself, etc.
What are topics to avoid?
-religion
-politics
-sex
-personal problems at home
-alcoholic drinking habits
-health problems (not related to your current duties)
-career aspirations (not related to your current duties)
