Gen Surg: Ethics...

Question 1

4 types of ‘right’

Answer 1

Moral right: influenced by precepts (e.g. religion) that guide behaviour.
Ethical right: science of righteous analysis.
Practical right: most expedient or efficient care.
Legal right.

Question 2

Definition of autonomy

Answer 2

Opportunity to choose and take responsibility for one’s own life.

Question 3

How to obtain informed consent.

Answer 3

Informed consent: process by which surgeon informs pt of procedural risks/benefits, options for alternatives, possible outcomes of refusing tx.
Pt must be competent.
Use colloquial + simple terminology, translator if needed.
Exceptions to informed consent: pt voluntarily gives decision making capacity to dr/3rd party or disclosure of information will cause harm.

Question 4

Competence vs incompetence

Answer 4

Competence: the ability to understand and process information. affected by age, LOC, drugs.
Temporary incompetence: does not need to have guardian appointed.
Deemed incompetence: very young children, certain neurologic/psych conditions. Need appointed substitute decision maker.

Question 5

When to breach confidentiality

Answer 5

Pt consents to sharing info or if there is a real/imminent threat to others and the threat will be alleviated by breaching confidentiality.