Medical Ethics Flashcards
What are ethics
The theory it’s the correct thing to do
What are morals
It indicates their practice
What is consequentialism?
An action judged from consequences.
For the best overall consequence, with resources and patients.
What is deontology
When an action is deemed good or bad because it is right in itself
What is autonomy
A persons right to make their own decisions and decide how they live their life.
If the patient has capacity they can decide whether or not to have healthcare intervention, even if refusal lead to death
What is non-maleficence
“Above all do no harm”
Consider the doctrine of double effect
What is beneficence
Doing good for a patient.
Acting in a way that promotes individual wellbeing and acting in their best interests
What is justice
What is right and fair in any situation, such as treating two individuals equal to their needs rather than equal to each other
What is accountability
Taking responsibility.
Being answerable for personal acts, to provide a protecting, deterrent, regulator and educative function
What areas do paramedics face accountability
Criminal law
Civil law
Employment law
Professional regulation
What is medical negligence
Failing to provide the level of care that is expected, which has resulted in harm
What must be in place for medical negligence to be proven
A duty of care
Breach of the DOC
Reasonably foreseeable
And resulting in harm
Compare ‘standards of care’ and ‘duty of care’
SOC- requiring a level of proficiency, competence and professionalism
DOC- level and moral obligation to ensure health, safety and wellbeing of the patient
What is the Tannahill model of health promotion
Three overlapping circles.
- Health education
- Promotion
- Protection
The 6 C’s
Care
Compassion
Commitment
Competency
Courage
Communication
Protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010
Age
Race
Gender reassignment
Sex
Sexual orientation
Marriage and civil partnership
Religion
Disability
Pregnancy and maternity
The doctrine of double effect
Doing something morally good but having morally bad side effects
Eg cannulation
The Caldicott principles
Justify the purpose of using information
Don’t use unless absolutely necessary
Use minimum necessary data
Access is on a need to know basis
Be aware of responsibilities
Understand and comply with the law
Duty to share info is just as important as protecting it
What is Gillick competency
Under the age of 16 and having enough intelligence and understanding to fully appreciate the risks and benefits of their treatment
What is respect
Due regard for feelings and wishes of others
What is dignity
Care which supports and promotes independence, not undermining them and their differences
What was the Marmot review
Fair Society, Healthy Lives 2010.
To address social issues affecting health
What is the HCPC and its purpose
The HCPC is a register who set standards for professionals such as paramedics or dietitions to meet. The HCPC hold these individuals to the standards and only allow those who meet the standards to register.
They protect the public, ensure individuals are practicing safely and continuously assess competency.