Intro to medical law and ethics Flashcards
What are ethics?
The body of moral principles or values governing or distinctive of a particular cultureor group
Where do ethical principles come from?
Two traditions:
1) Duties: “Right and Wrong” actions; action by individuals or group, Absolute values
DEONTOLOGY
2) Considering the benefits and harms to the individual as well as society; looking at the consequences as a whole and not just to the individual
UTILITARIANISM (a type of consequentialism)
What comprises Ethics?
- Principles
- Values
- Honesty
- Standards, rules of behaviour that guide the decisions, procedures and conduct of individuals that respect the rights of all stakeholders affected by its operations”
What is meant by morality?
Our attitudes, behaviours and relations to one another
What is meant by consequentialism?
The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome
What is utilitarianism?
Described by Jermey Bentham:
The greatest good for the greatest number (maximising pleasure/ happiness and minimising pain/ unhappiness)
Components of ethics and clinical decisions?
1) Duties
2) Four principles:
- Respect for Autonomy
- Non-malfeasance
- Beneficence
- Justice
Respect for autonomy?
- Promote the right to self determination
- Confidentiality, informed consent, promote capacity
Non-malfeasance?
The avoidance of harm
Beneficence?
To do good
Justice?
- Fairness/equality = Non discrimination and equal treatment for equal need.
- Individual versus population = Rationing, limits to autonomy
How to stay ethical
- Non-judgmental approach
- Not imposing personal views & respecting patients’ views
- Confidentiality
- Not exceeding your competency
- Fitness to practise
GC guide to non-judgemental approach?
GMC guide 2006: you must not discriminate on grounds of age, colour, culture, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, lifestyle, marital or parental status, race, religion or beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, or social or economic status.
Not Imposing Your Personal Views and Respecting Patients’ Views
- Fair presentation of facts/options
not letting your views affect your advice/actions
(Should you divulge your opinions?) - Willingness to refer elsewhere
- Not bullying/belittling etc (also applies to colleagues, juniors, other health workers etc)
Fitness to practice?
It is not just about competency
You have a specific duty to take appropriate action to protect patients, not just by your own actions but also to protect patients if you or others are unfit to practise.