Ethics Flashcards
Define values.
Concepts/ideals that give meaning to an indiviidual’s life and provide the framework for them to make decisions/carry out actions
Define morals.
The standards of right and wrong
What are ethics?
The branch of philosophy that deals with the moral dimension of human life
What is accountability?
The readiness to give an explanation or justification for judgements, intentions, acts or omissions
What is utilitarianism?
Concerned with ends not means
A person should always act in such a way that will produce more good or benefit than disadvantage
Can potentially justify doing harm to few people if society benefits as a whole
What is deontology?
Considers actions not outcomes
Universal moral rules that it is our duty to follow, regardless of consequences
Always treat human beings as ends in themselves, never merely means to someone else’s ends
Who developed with bio-ethical approach based on moral principles?
Beauchamp and Childress
Define autonomy.
Freedom to exist, think, act and communicate
What is Paternalism?
Making decisions for a person, thus ignoring their autonomy
Define beneficence.
Principle of doing what is best for the patient
Preventing harm from occurring and removing conditions that may cause harm
Define non-malificence.
One ought not to inflict harm/evil
Acts with double effect, act must be good or at least morally neutral, independent of its consequences
Good effect must outweigh the bad effect
What is justice?
Being fair but not necessarily equal, awarding what is due
What is fidelity?
Trust and truthfulness, keeping promises, honouring commitments
What is consent?
To express willingness, give permission or agree
What is valid consent?
Having the capacity to give consent for a decision, acting voluntarily
What is explicit (express) consent?
Written consent- evidence of consent providing it was valid
Verbal consent- necessary in situations where someone is unable to give written consent
Give an example of implied consent.
I.e. holding out arm for blood pressure to be taken
What are the criteria for assessing capacity?
The person making an informed decision should be able to understand the information provide, retain it, believe it, weigh it in the balance to make a choice and communicate the decision
What is battery?
Intentional harmful or offensive contact
What civil law about negligence should be considered?
Higher standard of consent necessary to avoid negligence claim
Material or significant risk must be disclosed and patient’s questions answered truthfully
What are the 5 key principles around decision making in the Mental Capacity Act?
A presumption of capacity Individual supported to make their own decision Unwise decisions accepted Best interests Least restrictive option
In what circumstances may a person make decisions on behalf of someone else?
In their best interests
A person with lasting powers of attorney
Doctrine of necessity for emergency treatment
What is the court of protection?
Referral to court of protection may be necessary where a patient lacks capacity and ruling is required on the lawfulness of a procedure
What constitutes as Gillick competent?
Used to establish child’s ability to give consent allowing them to demonstrate that they have capacity
What does Gillick competence mean for decision making?
Parent cannot override a Gillick competent patient but may act for a child who is not Gillick competent
When may a parent override a Gillick competent child?
Consent treated differently to refusal
Parent may overrule refusal to allow adolescent to receive treatment in their best interests
What is an Advanced Decision?
Made when a person still has capacity for used if they are not able to make a decision themselves in the future
Cannot refuse basic care or compulsory treatment under mental health laws
What is a doctrine of necessity?
Interventions to be made which are necessary pending recovery of capacity
No more than is reasonable and necessary for treatment
Give examples of services potentially affected by religion.
Contraception Sexual health Abortion End of life care Pharmacogenetics
What is a conscience clause?
Consideration of obligations as a pharmacist versus obligation to religion
OR right to obtain service versus refusal to meet an obligation
What are the principles of duty of confidentiality?
Vital part of relationship between pharmacy professional and person under their care
Legal duty
Give a justification for keeping confidence from both utilitarian and autonomic views?
Utilitarian argument- keeping confidence maximises happiness
Autonomy argument- control over personal information
Give an example of implicit consent.
Consent to use confidential patient data for delivering safe and effective care is implied by consent given for care and treatment
What steps should be taken before disclosing confidential information without consent?
Make every effort to get consent
Be satisfied that you are required to by law
Get the request in writing
Disclose the minimum amount in writing
Who may request disclosure of confidential information by law?
GPhC Police GMC NHS counter fraud Coroner Judge
When may disclosing confidential information be in public interest?
To prevent serious crime, injury or damage to health
For protection of children or vulnerable adults
Briefly outline the ethical decision making process.
Identify problem Gather relevant information Identify values Identify options Weigh up options Choose option and justify chosen action
What are the 9 GPhC standards?
Provide person-centred care Work in partnership with others Communicate effectively Maintain, develop and use professional knowledge and skills Use professional judgement Behave in professional manner Respect person's confidentiality and privacy Speak up when you have concerns Demonstrate leadership
