Ethics Flashcards
What is utilitarianism?
The best action is the one which brings about the most widespread benefits, e.g. treating five patients with a standard level of care rather than one with exceptional levels of care
What is consequentialism?
The morality of an action is dependent on its consequences
What is deontology?
The morality of an action is based on whether you followed rules, rather than the consequences
What is beneficence?
Promoting the best course of action for patients
What is non-maleficence?
Disregarding a treatment if it causes more harm than good
What is autonomy?
People with medical capacity can choose their own treatment
What is justice?
Whether a potential treatment is legal and balanced from a societal perspective
What is the age where children can consent to their own treatment?
16
What is confidentiality?
Doctors can’t disclose any information about a patient without their consent unless it puts the patient or someone else at risk
