Ethics Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 5 key components of ethical practice?
A
- decisions should be based on knowledge
- patients individual beliefs should be taken into account
- hazards should be described
- lack of efficacy should be admitted
- uncertainties should be acknowledged
2
Q
When are ethics particularly important?
A
- when the efficacy of the treatment is uncertain (in relation to physiological functioning and QoL)
- if patient is unable to communicate decisions
- uncertain what LIFE implies (i.e. are they likely to be living a highly restricted life?)
3
Q
Who can communicate the benefit of life to the patient? How do you decide who to treat?
A
1) the patient. This overrides any family beliefs
2) The family/clinical team
- who to treat: easy when consensus is gained from both teams of QoL, but difficult when this is not the case and the treatment has the POTENTIAL to improve QoL
4
Q
The WHO definition for the meaning of life
A
a state of biological functioning where the individual derives a personal benefit
5
Q
Autonomy of the patient and the right to refuse treatment
A
- Drs can refuse treatment if patient requests a therapy which is not clinically proven to be efficacious
- Patients can ALWAYS refuse treatment
- BUT in cases where minors, parents make decisions, but if not in best clinical interest, Drs can take to court appeal
- Drs can also refuse treatment for ‘social handicaps’ i.e. tattoo removal as not under the remit of medical care
6
Q
Nutrition and terminal care: what is ethical?
A
- everybody has a right to food and water, but artificial nutrition is seen as a medical therapy and can be refused
- supplying nutrition and hydration in terminal care may prolong suffering and is not pursued if the patient is seen to be in a process worse than death
- gastronomy tubes only used if the patient will benefit from the nutrition and may improve QoL