Introduction to Medical Law and Ethics

Question 1

State the 3 C’s involved in medical law and ethics

Answer 1

Care
Compassion
Consideration

Question 2

Define ethics

Answer 2

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

Question 3

State the different things that comprise ethics

Answer 3

Principles
Values
Honesty
Standards

Question 4

Define the term standards

Answer 4

rules of behaviour that guide the decisions, procedures and conduct of individuals that respect the rights of all stakeholders affected by its operations

Question 5

Define morality

Answer 5

Our attitudes, behaviours and relations to one another

Question 6

Define consequentialism

Answer 6

The belief that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome

Question 7

Define deontology

Answer 7

This focuses on duties. It is usually based on principles, such as respect for other people. Looks more at the rightness and wrongness of actions.

Question 8

Define utilitarianism

Answer 8

Doing the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people. Tends to disregard the individual and focus primarily on society as a whole.

Question 9

Modern day ethics comprises of a mixture of which two brands of ethics

Answer 9

Deontological and utalitarianism

Question 10

State the four ethical principles

Answer 10

Autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice

Question 11

Define autonomy

Answer 11

The promotion of the right to self determination, the right to confidentiality, informed consent and the promotion of capacity

Question 12

Define non-maleficence

Answer 12

The avoidance of harm

Question 13

Define beneficence

Answer 13

The promotion of benefits to the patient

Question 14

Define Justice

Answer 14

Fairness amongst society. There must be no discrimination and equal treatment for all those in need.

Question 15

State the GMC guidance on the duties of a doctor

Answer 15

Make the care of your patient your first concern

Protect and promote the health of all patients and the public

Provide a good standard of practice and care by ensuring knowledge and skills are upto date, work in the limits of competency, work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients

Treat patients as individuals and protect their dignity by treating patients politely, respecting their right to confidentiality

Work in partnership with patients by listening and responding to concerns, informed consent and autonomy

Be honest and open and act with integrity by acting without delay if believe that patient is at risk, never discriminate unfairly against your patients or colleagues and never abuse your patients trust

Question 16

Duty of candour

Answer 16

Must be honest and open with patients if something goes wrong with their treatment of care which causes harm or distress

Question 17

State the points of the Human Rights Act that relate to Medical care

Answer 17

Right to life
Prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Right to liberty and security 
Right to fair trial 
Right to respect for private and family life
Freedome of though
Freedom of expression 
Right to marry and found a family 
Prohibition of discrimination