ethics

Question 1

Describe the 3 levels of medical ethics

Answer 1

• laws (both written and case laws)
• guidelines and recommendations (eg. GMC guidance or NHS policies)
• ethics as ability to critically and morally reason

Question 2

Define morality

Answer 2

• a system of accepted beliefs which control behaviour (agreed and taught moral rules)

Question 3

Define ethics

Answer 3

The study of what is morally and what is morally wrong (includes critical approach, is based on rational argument)

Question 4

What is medical ethics?

Answer 4

• deals with ethical issues in healthcare settings
• what healthcare professionals ought to do and the ability to explain the reasons why
• core part of professional responsibility of any doctor

Question 5

Describe consent triage

Answer 5

• you must always reflect if you are dealing with;
  1. a child or young person with limited capacities to consent,
  2. a competent adult, from the age of 16 everyone is assumed competent unless shown to lack capacity
  3. an adult with limited or no capacities to consent

Question 6

Define respect for autonomy

Answer 6

• respecting persons capacity of free will and independent decision making

Question 7

Define beneficence

Answer 7

Balancing of benefits of treatment against risks and costs, acting for the good of others

Question 8

Define non-maleficence

Answer 8

Avoiding causing harm

Question 9

Define justice

Answer 9

Fair distribution of benefits, risks and costs, fair resource allocation, social justice