Framework for Ethical Analysis

Question 1

What is consequentialism?

Answer 1

An action is right only if it promotes the best consequences.

Question 2

What is deontology?

Answer 2

An action is right only if it is in accord with moral rule or principle.

Question 3

What is virtue ethics?

Answer 3

An action is right only if it is what a virtuous agent would do in the circumstances.

Question 4

What are four principles of medical ethics?

Answer 4

Autonomy - Respecting patients wishes.
Beneficence - Acting in the patients best interests.
Non-maleficence - Avoiding doing harm.
Justice - Fairness in the provision of care

Question 5

What are the four quadrants approach to ethics?

Answer 5

Medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life and contectual features.

Question 6

Explain what is meant for medical indications

Answer 6

It requires the clinician to review the medical situation, identify the treatment options, and determine how the patient can be benefited, if at all, by treatment.

Question 7

Explain what is meant for patients preferences

Answer 7

It focuses of the whishes’ for the patient if competent and his presumed wishes if not

Question 8

Describe the what is meant for the quality of life

Answer 8

When evaluating the appropriateness of a treatment it is important to consider how it will impact the patients quality of life and its impact from care providers perspectives.

Question 9

Describe what is meant for contextual features

Answer 9

This is where clinician should consider circumstances that can influence the decision of be influenced by the decision. Also encouraged doctors to reflect on any personal biases which might influence their decision.

Question 10

Explain how to structure a case analysis

Answer 10

• First summarise the case,
• State the moral dilemma,
• State the assumptions that are being made,
• Analyse the case,
• Acknowledge other approaches and state the preferred approach with explination