Medical ethics

Question 1

Define ethics

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What do ethics comprise of?

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Define consequentialism

Answer 3

The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome

Question 4

Describe utilitarianism

Answer 4

• The greatest good for the greatest number (maximising pleasure/ happiness and minimising pain/ unhappiness)
• Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that states that the best action is the one that maximizes utility. “Utility” is defined in various ways, usually in terms of the well-being of sentient entities

Question 5

Describe the four principles of medical ethics

Answer 5

1. Respect for Autonomy – promote right to self determination e.g. confidentiality, informed consent, promote capacity
2. Non-malfeasance – avoidance of harm
3. Beneficence – to do good
4. Justice – fairness/equity, individual vs. population. Non-discrimination, and equal treatment for equal need, while also rationing. Limits to autonomy

Question 6

Describe fitness to practice

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Describe the duty of candour

Answer 7

This means that you must be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with a patient’s treatment or care which causes, or has the potential to cause, harm or distress