Ethics in medical practice Flashcards
What is ethics aimed at?
Minimizing harm
Resolving conflict
Enabling social interactions and activities that promote survival and flourishing of human communities
What do ethical decisions require?
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.
What is the “agent” in ethical decision making?
Who
The intentions, virtues, roles and responsibilities of those involved in the decision
What is the “action” in ethical decision making?
What; how
What can be done, in accordance with moral rules or principles
What is the “end” in ethical decision making?
Why
The intended, anticipated or actual consequences of an action
How does an ethical framework help?
Provides:
Recognition of issues
Tools for understanding, analysis, discussion and reflection
The right approach rather than the right answer
What are the 4 principle-based medical ethical principles proposed by Beauchamp and Childress in their framework?
Autonomy
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Justice
What do “pseudoethics” often lack?
Reflection, deliberation or rational justifications of decisions made
What is an example of pseudoethics related to autonomy?
Just getting a signature on the consent form
What is an example of pseudoethics related to non-maleficence?
Simply not killing the patient
What is an example of pseudoethics related to beneficence?
Repeated cannulation attempts to give a single, unnecessary dose of IV Abx
What is the basis of respect for human dignity?
Each human being is of equal moral worth
What is autonomy?
Being responsible for one’s own life, independent, rational, an authentic self.
What does respecting a patients autonomy require?
Recognition of relevant relationships and social influences, and efforts to provide genuine opportunities for choice.
How does respect for autonomy manifest in medical practice?
As informed consent
What is informed consent intended to do?
Prevent coercion and deception of patients
Empower patients
Prompt reflection on risks and benefits by professionals
What does informed consent require?
Information – content; how much detail?
Competency – impairing factors
Voluntariness – free from coercion, manipulation & deceit
Understanding
True or false: autonomy means deferring or restricting all decision-making responsibility to the patient.
False
Patients may make decisions in concert with friends, family, doctors, etc.
What is autonomy inextricably connected with in the therapeutic relationship?
Trust
What is beneficence?
“Do good”
“Help”
“Produce a benefit”
True or false: beneficence means improving the patient’s physiology.
False
Trying to promote the wellbeing of your patient means improving their health, but also striving to further their autonomous goals
What is non-maleficence?
Avoiding and minimizing harm
How is non-maleficence achieved?
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
What counts as harm?
Intentional, accidental, negligent
E.g. Physical, social, psychological, spiritual, financial
