Introduction to Medical Ethics and Law

Question 1

define ethics

Answer 1

body of moral principles or values governing or distinctive of a particular culture or group

Question 2

ethical principles come from two areas:

Answer 2

duties

considering the benefits and harms to individual and society

Question 3

what comprises ethics?

Answer 3

principles
values
honesty
standards

Question 4

what is morality?

Answer 4

our attitudes, behaviours, and relations to one another

Question 5

what is consequentialism?

Answer 5

utilitarianism theory by promoting the greatest good for the greatest number
moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome

Question 6

what is deontology?

Answer 6

acting in accordance with a rule or principle

the rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend on their consequences but on whether they fulfill our duty.

Question 7

name the 4 ethical principles

Answer 7

respect for autonomy
non-maleficence
beneficence
justice

Question 8

what is respect for autonomy?

Answer 8

right to make decisions for oneselg

right to self-governance and confidentiality

Question 9

what is non-maleficence?

Answer 9

do no harm

Question 10

what is beneficence?

Answer 10

benefit the patient
There is often a conflict between autonomy and
beneficence. What happens if a patient wants something that isn’t what the doctor thinks is best?
Jehovah’s witness. It is classified assault if a doctor overrides a competent adult’s decision. If the
patient is under 18 a court ruling can overrule the parents. Patients have a right to refuse treatment
but not a right to demand.

Question 11

what is justice?

Answer 11

fair distribution of time and treatments

Question 12

not imposing your personal views and respecting patient values involves:

Answer 12

• Fair presentation of facts/options
• Not letting your views affect advice/actions
• Willingness to refer elsewhere
• Not bullying/belittling etc

Question 13

confidentiality relies on

Answer 13

basis of trust

need to know basis

Question 14

describe the duty of candor

Answer 14

A duty of candour creates a legal requirement for health and social care organisations to inform patients when they have been harmed as a result of treatment or care they have received. You must apologise to the patient and offer an appropriate remedy or support to put matters right (if possible) and explain fully the short and long term effects of what has happened. You must raise concerns where appropriate if you believe a patient’s best interests potentially have been or actually have been compromised. As a doctor or a student, you should encourage other peers and colleagues to be open and honest; you must not stop someone who has concerns from raising concern.