Ethics in medical practice Flashcards

1
Q

What is ethics aimed at?

A

Minimizing harm

Resolving conflict

Enabling social interactions and activities that promote survival and flourishing of human communities

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2
Q

What do ethical decisions require?

A

Rational deliberation and judgments with due consideration of relevant:

Ethical values, principles

Practical aspects of particular situations

Moral agents and subjects (i.e. people) involved directly or indirectly.

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3
Q

What is the “agent” in ethical decision making?

A

Who

The intentions, virtues, roles and responsibilities of those involved in the decision

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4
Q

What is the “action” in ethical decision making?

A

What; how

What can be done, in accordance with moral rules or principles

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5
Q

What is the “end” in ethical decision making?

A

Why

The intended, anticipated or actual consequences of an action

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6
Q

How does an ethical framework help?

A

Provides:

Recognition of issues

Tools for understanding, analysis, discussion and reflection

The right approach rather than the right answer

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7
Q

What are the 4 principle-based medical ethical principles proposed by Beauchamp and Childress in their framework?

A

Autonomy

Beneficence

Non-maleficence

Justice

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8
Q

What do “pseudoethics” often lack?

A

Reflection, deliberation or rational justifications of decisions made

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9
Q

What is an example of pseudoethics related to autonomy?

A

Just getting a signature on the consent form

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10
Q

What is an example of pseudoethics related to non-maleficence?

A

Simply not killing the patient

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11
Q

What is an example of pseudoethics related to beneficence?

A

Repeated cannulation attempts to give a single, unnecessary dose of IV Abx

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12
Q

What is the basis of respect for human dignity?

A

Each human being is of equal moral worth

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13
Q

What is autonomy?

A

Being responsible for one’s own life, independent, rational, an authentic self.

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14
Q

What does respecting a patients autonomy require?

A

Recognition of relevant relationships and social influences, and efforts to provide genuine opportunities for choice.

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15
Q

How does respect for autonomy manifest in medical practice?

A

As informed consent

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16
Q

What is informed consent intended to do?

A

Prevent coercion and deception of patients

Empower patients

Prompt reflection on risks and benefits by professionals

17
Q

What does informed consent require?

A

Information – content; how much detail?

Competency – impairing factors

Voluntariness – free from coercion, manipulation & deceit

Understanding

18
Q

True or false: autonomy means deferring or restricting all decision-making responsibility to the patient.

A

False

Patients may make decisions in concert with friends, family, doctors, etc.

19
Q

What is autonomy inextricably connected with in the therapeutic relationship?

A

Trust

20
Q

What is beneficence?

A

“Do good”

“Help”

“Produce a benefit”

21
Q

True or false: beneficence means improving the patient’s physiology.

A

False

Trying to promote the wellbeing of your patient means improving their health, but also striving to further their autonomous goals

22
Q

What is non-maleficence?

A

Avoiding and minimizing harm

23
Q

How is non-maleficence achieved?

A

Meet professional standards of competency and expertise, including by following relevant guidelines and protocols in your practice

Recognize that when you are not competent to deal with a particular problem, you should find someone who can

24
Q

What counts as harm?

A

Intentional, accidental, negligent

E.g. Physical, social, psychological, spiritual, financial