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
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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?)
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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

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4
Q

The WHO definition for the meaning of life

A

a state of biological functioning where the individual derives a personal benefit

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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
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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
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