Professional Ethics & Communication Flashcards
What professional ethics do we have
Enacting values, thinking to some purpose, speaking to some purpose, inclusivity, respect, assertiveness, governance.
What are enacting values?
Practicing what you preach.
What do we mean by ‘thinking to some purpose’?
All language has a purpose, e.g., building a relationship, establishing trust. Before interactions, you should think about your purpose, e.g., raise a concern, have a positive influence, put an idea across, explain a difficult concept. This helps to keep you on track.
What do we mean by ‘inclusivity and respect’?
Both are fundamental to good ethical practice. It is about doing ‘with’ your patient, not ‘to’ your patients—allow them to be involved. Respect underpins everything you do and acknowledges different world views.
What do we mean by ‘assertiveness’?
We need to be assertive if we believe that something is not going quite as it should.
What do we mean by ‘governance’?
Core principles that underlie what we do, i.e., the outcomes determined by the GMC.
What are care ethics?
A fundamental moral prerogative to treat ourselves and others well.
What do care ethics involve?
Promoting wellbeing for those giving care and those receiving care.
What is the principle of care ethics?
There should be a caring driver behind everything you do.
What is humanism?
‘The universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side…we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. [Humanists have] placed human welfare and happiness at the centre of ethical decision making.’
What are the principles of humanism?
Trust in scientific method, basing ethical decisions on reason, empathy, and a concern for humans and other sentient creatures, giving life meaning by seeking happiness and helping others achieve the same.
What is a person-centered approach?
Focusing on the elements of care, support, and treatment that matter most to the patient, their family, and carers.
How does the person-centered approach link to humanism?
It relates to the concept of personhood, belief in autonomy, moral equality, showing respect irrespective of another’s individual characteristics, and values-based consulting.
What else does the person-centered approach relate to?
Shared decision making—do ‘with’ not ‘to’—give people the opportunity to be involved in their own management plan.
What are the key principles of medical ethics?
Autonomy (Right to consent; refuse), Beneficence (Best interest), Non-maleficence (First do no harm), Justice (Parity; resources).
What is necessary to enact medical ethics effectively?
Good communication.
What barriers exist to integrating ethics successfully?
Time management, assumptions, legal-ethical conflict, personal/emotional challenge, cumbersome paperwork, training needs, patient perceptions of ‘jobsworthiness’, frustration with rejection of consent, complexity.
How should you manage ethical interactions as a professional?
Self-suppression, self-reflection, offer good explanations, know your limitations, and be resilient.
What evidence links patient complaints and communication?
Evidence proves that patient complaints and communication are strongly linked; a US study found that communication and relationships are more valuable for the patient experience than care quality and patient safety.
What issues did the Quality Care Commission find related to complaints?
Effective communication with patients, staff attitudes, record-keeping, privacy, and dignity.
What is the difference between a concern and a complaint?
A complaint and concern are different; raising concerns is part of a healthy feedback process, while a complaint is formal.
When can there be overlap between a concern and a complaint?
A badly managed concern can result in a complaint; evaluating the seriousness of reported information is important.
What should the healthcare professional work with?
The patient/relative/carer/advocate defines the problem; the HCP should seek first to understand, then acknowledge, then answer.
When might a problem change during handling?
A complaint may be withdrawn after a good conversation with the patient; whether informal or formal, the complaint must be acknowledged and answered.
What relates back to effective communication?
Explaining & maintaining confidentiality, establishing capacity, gaining informed consent, principles of justice.
What is the difference between equality and diversity?
Equality is about equality of opportunity, access, and care; diversity acknowledges that people have different needs.
How does equality and diversity relate to person-centered care?
While providing equality of access, individual beliefs, needs, backgrounds, and abilities influence the conversation.
What is essential for effective, compassionate practitioners?
Understanding person-centered care and enacting the values underpinning it; the relationship between ethical practice and communication is central.
