Ethics

Question 1

What is the definition of ethics?

Answer 1

-Body of moral principles or values governing or distinctive of a particular culture or group

Question 2

Where do ethical principles come from?

Answer 2

-Duties: ‘right + wrong’, absolute values
Deontology

-Considering the benefits and harms to individual and society: looking at consequences not just to the individual
Utilitarianism

Question 3

What comprises ethics?

Answer 3

• Principles
• Values
• Honesty
• Standards etc

Question 4

What is meant by morality?

Answer 4

Our attitudes, behaviours and relations to one another

Question 5

What is consequentialism?

Answer 5

The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome

Question 6

What are the to traditions of ethical principles?

Answer 6

Deontology

Utilitarianism

Question 7

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 7

The greatest good for the greatest number

Question 8

List some of the duties of a doctor according to the GMC that may relate to potential ethical considerations?

Answer 8

• Non-judgemental approach
• Not imposing personal views and respecting patient’s views
• Confidentiality
• Not exceeding your competency
• Fitness to practise

Question 9

What are the four ethical principles?

Answer 9

• Respect for autonomy
• Non-malfeasance
• Beneficence
• Justice

Question 10

What factors come into respect for autonomy?

Answer 10

• Promote the right for self determination
• Confidentiality
• Informed consent
• Promote capacity

Question 11

What factors come into justice?

Answer 11

Fairness/equity

• Non discrimination
• Equal treatment for equal need

Individual vs population

• Rationing
• Limits to autonomy

Question 12

What ground should not be discriminated on in patients according to the GMC and the law?

Answer 12

Age, Race, culture, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, lifestyle, marital or parental status, race, religion or beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, or social or economic status

Question 13

What situations may involve raising concerns in colleagues?

Answer 13

• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Poor performance etc
• Must raise concerns where you believe a patient’s best interests potentially have or actually been compromised.

Question 14

What does duty of candour mean?

Answer 14

You must be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with a patient’s treatment or care which causes harm or distress