Ethics
ETHICS
DEFINITION
The branch of philosophy that deals with the distinction between right and wrong, with the moral consequences of human action ( Stedman’s
Dictionary)
Principles in Medical Ethics
Informed Consent
Common Law
Confidentiality
PRINCIPLES IN MEDICAL ETHICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Autonomy
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Justice
RESPECT FOR AUTONOMY
Respect for the individual and their ability to make decisions with regard to their own health and future.
Eg.
Patient has the right to refuse/choose their treatment BENEFICENCE
Actions intended to benefit the patient or others
Eg.
- The physician providing beneficent treatment that in the physician's opinion is in the best interests of the patient, without consulting the patient, or by overriding the patient's wishes, as in the treatment of suicidal patients who are a clear and present danger to themselves.
- Here, the duty of beneficence requires that the physician intervene on behalf of saving the patient's life, in the belief that the patient is compromised and cannot act in his own best interest at the moment.
NON-MALEFICENCE
Actions intended not to harm or bring harm to the patient and others
Primum non no cere
Eg.
Stopping a medication that is shown to be harmful JUSTICE
Being fair or just to the wider community in terms of the consequences of an action
In terms of distribution of the scarce health resources Treating equal problems equally
Equal access to scientific knowledge and therapeutic benefits
Prob: scarce resources?
CONSENT TO TREATMENT
• In general, the law requires that the patients cannot be treated unless they first consent. This consent must be given:
1. Voluntarily, without undue influence
2. By the patient; no one can consent on his behalf, although he may obtain advice from relatives or others whom he trusts
3. By the patient who has been informed of the likely benefits, side effects, and possible adverse outcomes of the treatment
INFORMED CONSENT
• To be capable of consent, patients
DEFINITION
The branch of philosophy that deals with the distinction between right and wrong, with the moral consequences of human action ( Stedman’s
Dictionary)
Principles in Medical Ethics
Informed Consent
Common Law
Confidentiality
PRINCIPLES IN MEDICAL ETHICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Autonomy
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Justice
RESPECT FOR AUTONOMY
Respect for the individual and their ability to make decisions with regard to their own health and future.
Eg.
Patient has the right to refuse/choose their treatment BENEFICENCE
Actions intended to benefit the patient or others
Eg.
- The physician providing beneficent treatment that in the physician's opinion is in the best interests of the patient, without consulting the patient, or by overriding the patient's wishes, as in the treatment of suicidal patients who are a clear and present danger to themselves.
- Here, the duty of beneficence requires that the physician intervene on behalf of saving the patient's life, in the belief that the patient is compromised and cannot act in his own best interest at the moment.
NON-MALEFICENCE
Actions intended not to harm or bring harm to the patient and others
Primum non no cere
Eg.
Stopping a medication that is shown to be harmful JUSTICE
Being fair or just to the wider community in terms of the consequences of an action
In terms of distribution of the scarce health resources Treating equal problems equally
Equal access to scientific knowledge and therapeutic benefits
Prob: scarce resources?
CONSENT TO TREATMENT
• In general, the law requires that the patients cannot be treated unless they first consent. This consent must be given:
1. Voluntarily, without undue influence
2. By the patient; no one can consent on his behalf, although he may obtain advice from relatives or others whom he trusts
3. By the patient who has been informed of the likely benefits, side effects, and possible adverse outcomes of the treatment
INFORMED CONSENT
• To be capable of consent, patients