Introduction to Ethics + Law

Question 1

What are the 3 main theories?

Answer 1

Virtue Ethics
Consequentialism
Deontology ( includes rights // justice ).

Question 2

Explain virtue ethics in more detail.

Answer 2

Good practice as practice which results from virtuous moral character of the doctor promotes good for the patient.

Question 3

Explain consequentialism in more detail.

Answer 3

Good practice is consisting of securing good outcomes for patients and society.

Question 4

Explain deontology in more detail.

Answer 4

Practicing medicine in accordance with ethical rules and principles.

Question 5

Name some examples of ethical tools used.

Answer 5

The Four Principles approach
The Paradigm Case Process
Structured Case Analysis Model
Ethical Grid

Question 6

Name the four principles used in the ‘Four Principles Approach’.

Answer 6

Non - Maleficence
Benefiicence
Autonomy
Justice

Question 7

What is non - maleficence?

Answer 7

Do NO harm -> inflict the least amount of harm.

Question 8

What is beneficence?

Answer 8

Promote goodness -> do good.

Question 9

What is autonomy?

Answer 9

Patients can make their own decisions about their medical care ; without their healthcare provider trying to influence the decision.

Question 10

What is justice?

Answer 10

Element of fairness in ALL medical decisions.

Question 11

What are the four quadrants in the ‘Four Quadrants Approach’?

Answer 11

Medical Indications
Patient Preferences
Quality of Life
Contextual Features

Question 12

What does medical indications mean?

Answer 12

Establish a diagnosis

• What are the options for treatment.
• What is the prognoses for each of the options?

Question 13

What does patient preferences mean?

Answer 13

Is the patient competent? -> If no, what does he // she want.
= What is the patients best interest.

Question 14

What does quality of life mean?

Answer 14

Will the proposed treatment IMPROVE the patient’s quality of life.

Question 15

What does contextual features mean?

Answer 15

Does religious // cultural // legal factors have an impact on the decision?

Question 16

What does moral mediocrity mean?

Answer 16

Aiming to be morally as good as your peers.

Question 17

What does the Nuremberg code mean?

Answer 17

This was a set of ethical principles set up for prevention of human experimentation.

Question 18

What was the ‘Declaration of Helsinki’ mean?

Answer 18

Prevents human subjects from being mistreated.

Question 19

What does HTA mean?

Answer 19

HUMAN TISSUES ACT
Respect to activities such as human tissue -> provision about the transfer of human remains from certain museum collections.

Question 20

What does DPA mean?

Answer 20

DATA PROTECTION ACT

Used in order to process personal data safely.

Question 21

What does MCA mean?

Answer 21

MENTAL CAPACITY ACT
Provide legal framework for acting // making decisions on behalf of adults who LACK the capacity to make particular decisions.

Question 22

Name some key ethical issues.

Answer 22

Scientific Validity 
Consent
Confidentiality 
Balance of risks v benefits 
Equipoise
Placebo 
Reciprocity

Question 23

What is scientific validity?

Answer 23

Asks whether the research question is relevant and whether it is important.

Question 24

What does permission mean?

Answer 24

Consent must be voluntary // informed // made by a capable individual.

Question 25

What is the research ethics committee?

Answer 25

They can be local or multi - centre.
They have 12 - 18 members and can offer ethical review.
They CAN’T give legal advice.