Principles of Medical Ethics and Law

Question 1

What comprises ethics?

Answer 1

Principles
Values
Honesty
Standards

Question 2

What is meant by morality?

Answer 2

Our attitudes, behaviours and relations to one another

Question 3

What is consequentialism?

Answer 3

The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome

Question 4

What are the two traditions that ethical principles come from?

Answer 4

Deontology

Utilitarianism

Question 5

What is deontology?

Answer 5

The morality of an action is based on whether the action itself is right or worng, rather than the consequences

Question 6

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 6

The greatest good for the greatest number of people

Question 7

what are the duties of a doctor registered with the GMC?

Answer 7

Make the care of your patient your first concern
Provide a good standard of practice and care
Take prompt action if you think that patient safety, dignity or comfort is being compromised
Protect and promote the health of patients and the public
Treat patients as individuals and respect their dignity
Work in partnership with patients
Work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients’ interests
Be honest and open and act with integrity.
Never discriminate unfairly against patients or colleagues
Never abuse your patients’ trust in you or the public’s trust in the profession

Question 8

What are the four principles of medical ethics?

Answer 8

Autonomy
Non-maleficence
Beneficence
Justice

Question 9

What is duty of candour?

Answer 9

You must apologise to the patient and offer an appropriate remedy or support to put matters right (if possible) and explain fully the short and long term effects of what has happened