Multitopic Flashcards
What system does the UK now use for organ donation?
opt-out system
What is the definition of organ donation?
-a surgical operation in which a failing or damaged organ in the human body is removed and replaced with a functioning one
What is the opt-out system?
everyone is automatically on the register unless you specify that you do not want to donate
Signpost the two main arguments for organ donation?
for: autonomy of the general public
against: justice for the patients waiting for organs (transplant list is increasing)
What are the pro opt-out arguments?
A: does not infringe on autonomy, those who don’t want to can opt out
B/N: increases number of organs, help patients waiting for transplants, saving their lives
J: reduces patients relying on expensive machinery like dialysis: reducing the overall cost of the NHS
What the arguments against opt-out system?
A: people may feel coerced into donating their organs
B/N: if people feel forced into donating organs, could cause psychological harm
-decision to opt-out could be stigmatised by society
Consent: could go against a patient’s right to consent to actions carried out on their body
What is your overall opinion on opt-out organ donation?
-autonomy is still maintained by opt-out
-can save many lives
therefore , I am in favour
What is a power of attonery?
a legal document allowing a person to make decisions for a patient if they lose capacity
What are the options other than transfusions?
hemodilution
cell salvage
so the patient is still receiving their own blood
What is the introduction for a Jehovah’s witness question?
Jehovah’s witnesses are a religious sect of Christianity
they often refuse to have blood transfusions because of their beliefs (and accepting a transfusion can act as grounds for expulsion from the faith)
a blood transfusion: given blood from someone else (often life-saving procedure)
What are the arguments for giving the Jehovah’s witness a blood transfusion?
A: unconscious: do not have capacity to consent
B/N: this is life-saving, otherwise it allows the patient to die, ultimate harm
What are the arguments against giving a Jehovah’s witness a blood transfusion?
A: if they have an advanced directive/ a card, making it clear of their wishes, cannot give them a transfusion
Capacity: they may have previously refused a transfusion when in good health so should be respected
B/N: can be expelled from their faith for receiving a BT, negative psychological consequences
What do the Fraser guidelines involve?
the doctor can prescribe oral contraceptive pills without informing the girl’s parents if the girl:
-understands the advice
-cannot be persuaded to tell her parents herself
-that she will continue to have sex with or without the pill
-her physical or mental health are likely to suffer without the pill
As a GP, you prescribe contraceptive pills to a 15-year old girl. The mother discovers and confronts you
What are the main ethical concerns here?
(goes in the introduction)?
daughter’s autonomy and confidentiality
vs.
mother’s beneficence and well-being
As a GP, you prescribe contraceptive pills to a 15-year old girl. The mother discovers and confronts you
What are the pros for disclosure to the mother
B/N: if the mother were aware, she could offer support to her daughter
-may cause psychological harm and worry if we do not disclose it to her
J: what if the daughter was lying and was actually having sex with someone above 16- against the law, putting her at risk
C/C: if mum found the meds with her name on it, then she already knows.
As a GP, you prescribe contraceptive pills to a 15-year old girl. The mother discovers and confronts you
What is the conclusion?
-would not disclose any further information to the mother due to confidentiality reasons
-instead talk to the mother to gain more information and advise her to speak to her daughter herself in the hope that they can resolve it together
How is Information Technology used to improve healthcare?
-get test results quicker
-order test results faster
-scanning patient notes so they can be accessed anywhere in the hospital
-patients book online appointments
(improve efficiency/patient satisfaction)
