Medical ethics and law

Question 1

what is ethics?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

where do ethics come from?

Answer 2

2 traditions;

Duties: (‘right and wrong; actions by individuals or groups - ‘absolute values’)
Considering the benefits and harms to individual and society: (looking at the consequences and not just the individual)

Question 3

what comprises ethics?

Answer 3

princicples
values
honesty
standards

Question 4

what is morality?

Answer 4

our attitudes, behaviours and relations to one another

Question 5

what are the 4 ethics principles?

Answer 5

justice
beneficence
maleficence
autonomy

Question 6

what do each of the 4 ethical principles mean?

Answer 6

justice - fairness and equality
beneficence- maximise patient care to do good
non-maleficence - the avoidance of harm
autonomy - the right to self determination, confidentiality, informed consent

Question 7

what things in medicine are particularly relevant ethically in practise?

Answer 7

a non-judgement approach
not impose personal views and respecting patient' views
confidentiality
not exceeding your competence
fitness to practise

Question 8

what s the duty of candour?

Answer 8

this means that you must be one and honest with patients when something goes wrong with a patients treatment or care which causes or has the potential to cause harm or distress

Question 9

what ethical principle isn’t followed if confidentiality is broken?

Answer 9

autonomy

Question 10

what ethical principle is broken if the patients care isn’t maximised?

Answer 10

beneficence

Question 11

what ethical principles is the avoidance of harm?

Answer 11

non maleficence

Question 12

what ethical principle is broken is a doctor is judgemental or racist?

Answer 12

justice