Scribd
Upload
5 views

ETHICS

The document defines ethics, particularly in the context of medical ethics, which involves moral questions in healthcare and emphasizes principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice. It highlights the evolution of clinical ethics from a paternalistic approach to one focused on patient rights post-1960, influenced by ethical lapses and advancements in medical technology. Additionally, it discusses ethical issues in pediatrics, including informed consent and the role of parents in decision-making for children's health.

Uploaded by

payal khehra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views

ETHICS

The document defines ethics, particularly in the context of medical ethics, which involves moral questions in healthcare and emphasizes principles such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice. It highlights the evolution of clinical ethics from a paternalistic approach to one focused on patient rights post-1960, influenced by ethical lapses and advancements in medical technology. Additionally, it discusses ethical issues in pediatrics, including informed consent and the role of parents in decision-making for children's health.

Uploaded by

payal khehra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

DEFINITIONS OF ETHICS

 The term ‘ethic’ comes from the Greek word: ethikos which
means ‘moral, character’
 Ethics is the study of the rational process for determining the best
course of action in the face of conflicting choices.
 Ethical principles are general statements about what types of
actions are right or wrong. Including the principles of autonomy,
beneficence, non-maleficence and justice.

Medical ethics are concerned with moral questions raised by the


practice of medicine and, more generally, by health care.

Ethics are involved and/or influence by:


laws

religion

scientific studies

philosophy

moral

Clinical Ethics: Past and Present

Before 1960 - based on traditional professional ethics of medicine:

o Physician was major decision-maker


o Physician considered a person of highest character who adhered
to prominent virtues
o Paternalistic
After 1960 - Based on patient “rights”
WHY THE CHANGE?
Ethical lapses in human research noted in 60s and 70s
Rapid increase in medical technology
Quinlan Case - First important “right to die” case
President’s Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine
State laws defining the parameters for decision-making at the end of life
Clinical Ethics
Medical ethics is primarily a field of applied ethics
Values in medical ethics
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Beneficence
Autonomy
Non-Maleficence
Importance of communication
Ethics committees
Cultural concerns
Conflicts of interest: Futility
Medical ethics
Six of the values that commonly apply to medical ethics discussions are:
Beneficence - a practitioner should act in the best interest of the patient.
Non-maleficence - "first, do no harm“
Autonomy - the patient has the right to refuse or choose their treatment.
Justice - concerns the distribution of scarce health resources, and the
decision of who gets what treatment (fairness and equality).
Dignity - the patient (and the person treating the patient) have the right
to dignity.
Truthfulness and honesty - the concept of informed consent.

Principles of Medical Ethics:


Physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical care, with
compassion and respect for human dignity and rights.
Shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest, and strive to
report physicians deficient in character or competence, or engaging in
fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.
Shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes
in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the
patient.
Shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health
professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy.
Shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge,
maintain a commitment to medical education.
A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in
emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate,
and the environment in which to provide medical care.
A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities
contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of
public health.
A physician shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the
patient as paramount.
A physician shall support access to medical care for all people

Ethical Issues in Pediatrics


Refuse immunizations
Refuse seek care
Genetic therapy
Congenital anomalies
Withhold therapy vs. Withdrawal of treatment
End of life decisions
Informed consent ?
Ped Issues
Informed consent:
Parents or legal guardians are responsible
Based on the “best interest of the child”
Pediatric patient should participate in the process
‘A child to ultimately become self governing, they must relentlessly
practice decision making’.

You might also like