Ethical Principles

Question 1

Ethical framework

Answer 1

1. What are the issues (legal or other) and what ethical principles do they raise?

Legal issues Ie
- confidentiality
- Duty of care
- Competence
- mature minor - Gillick competence

Ethical Principles
- Autonomy
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
- Justice

2. Consider perspective from
   - Patient
   - Doctor
3. Consider Legal and Regulatory bodies
   - Governing bodies
   - AHPRA
   - RACGP
   - Medical Board Australia - Good Medical Conduct: A code of conduct for doctors in Australia
   - Medical Defence / Insurance

Question 2

Ethical principles

Answer 2

1. Respect for Autonomy - the right of an individual to self determination, including privacy and confidentiality
2. Beneficence - taking positive action to do good
3. Non-maleficence - Do no harm
4. Justice - patients should be treated equally, and their should be equity of access to services regardless of place of residence, ethnicity, gender, religion, age or disability