Ethics Exam 3 Flashcards
define ethics
- Branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong
- An area of study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior
define bioethics
• The systematic study of the moral dimensions of decisions, behaviors, and policies related to the life sciences and healthcare
What is the basis for just laws?
ethics
What are enacted due to violations of ethics?
laws
What is the relationship between ethics and law?
- Law tells us what we have the right to do or what we must do
- Ethics tell us the right thing to do
What are the two ethical theories?
- Teleological or Consequentialism
- Deontological or Non-consequentialism
What does Teleological or Consequentialism focus on?
- Focuses on the outcomes or consequences
- Moral actions are those that cause the best balance of good versus bad consequences
What does Deontological or Non-consequentialism focus on?
- Focuses on the action itself more than the outcome
- Based on principles that would not change from one situation to another
What is another name for Consequentialism?
Utilitarianism
Advantages and disadvantages of Consequentialism
- Advantages: Consider interests of everyone
- Disadvantages: Burdensome to employ
What is another name for Non-consequentialism?
Kantianism
Who has a stake in ethical decision making in pharmacy practice?
– Patients – Pharmacists – Pharmacy colleagues – Other healthcare providers – Employers – The pharmacy profession
What is the purpose of using principles in ethical decision making?
The purpose of ethical principles is to determine the right of patients under the principles, and to then permit a decision about pharmacist duties that correlate with those rights
What is the primary objective of a principle-based approach to ethical decision making?
The primary objective of principle-based approach to ethical decision making is to enable a pharmacist to justify to himself or herself, and to others, the action taken in a given situation
What are the ethical principles?
- Autonomy
- Beneficence
- Nonmaleficence
- Justice
- Veracity
- Fidelity
Autonomy
– Requires that individuals be permitted to make their own evaluations and choices when their own interests are at stake
– Individuals are viewed as moral agents with their own unique approach to life with their own values, interests, attitudes, and beliefs
Paternalism
- Behavior that limits a person’s liberty or autonomy for what is presumed to be in that person’s best interest
- Expresses an attitude of superiority
Beneficence
- Guides the actions and behaviors toward benefiting patients outcomes
- Violated by acts of omission
Nonmaleficence
• Avoid harm to patients • Intentional or non-intentional • Prevent harm by: – Checking for drug interactions – Checking for overdoses – Checking for adverse effects – Checking for early or late refills – Any other action to assure medication safety
Justice
- Requires that all benefits and burdens be distributed equally
- Fair allocation of good and services
- Problematic when not everyone is perceived as equally deserving of an equal share
Fidelity
- Concept of keeping promises or commitments
* Requires pharmacists to be faithful to their patients and provide services that are in their patients’ best interest
Veracity
- Duty to act honestly and without deception
* Primary obligation is respecting the position of trust inherent in the patient-healthcare provider relationship
Ethical principles applied appropriately versus the risks of over emphasis: Autonomy
- Moral Basis: Respect for individual to ‘selfrule’
- Risk of Over Emphasis: Lack of caring; apathy
Ethical principles applied appropriately versus the risks of over emphasis: Beneficence
- Moral Basis: Do good; provide benefit
- Risk of Over Emphasis: Making decision for patients
Ethical principles applied appropriately versus the risks of over emphasis: Nonmaleficence
- Moral Basis: Do no harm
- Risk of Over Emphasis: Taking no action or unwilling to offer alternatives where benefit is questionable
Ethical principles applied appropriately versus the risks of over emphasis: Justice
- Moral Basis: Be fair, transparent, accountable, consistent
- Risk of Over Emphasis: Lack of individualism
Ethical principles applied appropriately versus the risks of over emphasis: Veracity
- Moral Basis: Full, honest disclosure
- Risk of Over Emphasis: Truth causing harm
Ethical principles applied appropriately versus the risks of over emphasis: Fidelity
- Moral Basis: Maintain confidentiality
- Risk of Over Emphasis: Treat patient as an “island”
Pharmacists’ code of ethics
- Declares that pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals in making the best use of medications
- Publicly states the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist
Fidelity
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner.
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient.
Autonomy
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships
Veracity
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist maintains professional competence
Nonmaleficence
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals
Nonmaleficence
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs
Justice
Which principle is this APhA’s Code of Ethics statement? A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources
Justice
