Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the physician's duty when a patient's autonomous decision conflicts with the physician's beneficent duty?
What is the physician's duty when a patient's autonomous decision conflicts with the physician's beneficent duty?
What is the primary goal of medical beneficence?
What is the primary goal of medical beneficence?
What is the principle that means 'First, do no harm'?
What is the principle that means 'First, do no harm'?
What is the result of misestimating a patient's adverse responses?
What is the result of misestimating a patient's adverse responses?
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What is the role of beneficence in the ends of medicine?
What is the role of beneficence in the ends of medicine?
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What is the relationship between nonmaleficence and beneficence?
What is the relationship between nonmaleficence and beneficence?
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What is not included in the category of medical benefits?
What is not included in the category of medical benefits?
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What is the criteria for making an autonomous choice?
What is the criteria for making an autonomous choice?
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What principle takes priority when there is a conflict between beneficence and non-maleficence?
What principle takes priority when there is a conflict between beneficence and non-maleficence?
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What is the primary goal of informed consent?
What is the primary goal of informed consent?
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When is paternalism justified?
When is paternalism justified?
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What should a physician consider when faced with two patients needing treatment at the same time?
What should a physician consider when faced with two patients needing treatment at the same time?
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Why might a physician withhold information from a patient?
Why might a physician withhold information from a patient?
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What is the primary duty of a physician regarding their patients?
What is the primary duty of a physician regarding their patients?
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What principle is considered when balancing the benefits and risks of treatment?
What principle is considered when balancing the benefits and risks of treatment?
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What should trump when there is a conflict between two important ethical principles?
What should trump when there is a conflict between two important ethical principles?
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What is the principle of autonomy all about?
What is the principle of autonomy all about?
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Which principle of medical ethics emphasizes the importance of fairness and respect for people?
Which principle of medical ethics emphasizes the importance of fairness and respect for people?
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What is the main goal of the principle of beneficence?
What is the main goal of the principle of beneficence?
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What is the concept behind the principle of non-maleficence?
What is the concept behind the principle of non-maleficence?
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What is the related principle that involves telling the truth to patients?
What is the related principle that involves telling the truth to patients?
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What is the principle that involves respecting the patient's right to private information?
What is the principle that involves respecting the patient's right to private information?
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What is the principle that involves allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care?
What is the principle that involves allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care?
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Which principle of medical ethics involves fulfilling obligations to patients?
Which principle of medical ethics involves fulfilling obligations to patients?
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Study Notes
Balancing Autonomy and Beneficence
- Healthcare providers often misestimate their patients' adverse responses, making therapeutic privilege almost never justified.
- Physicians should respect patients' autonomous decisions, even if they conflict with the physician's beneficent duty to act in the patient's best interests.
Beneficence
- Beneficence has played a major role in shaping the nature and goals of medicine as a social practice.
- The primary goal of medicine is healing, which is a beneficent undertaking.
- Medical beneficence is oriented exclusively to the end of healing and not to other forms of benefit.
- Examples of non-medical benefits include providing fertility controls, performing cosmetic surgery, or actively helping a patient to end their life.
Non-Maleficence
- Primum non nocere, or "First, do no harm," is a principle that shares the same characteristics as beneficence.
- Non-maleficence is often considered a corollary to beneficence.
- Examples of non-maleficent actions include stopping a harmful medication or refusing to provide an ineffective treatment.
Balancing Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
- One of the most common ethical dilemmas arises from balancing beneficence and non-maleficence.
- When there is a conflict between the two principles, non-maleficence takes precedence.
- Physicians must weigh the benefits and risks of treatment and provide informed consent to patients.
Paternalism
- Benefit paternalism can be justified if the following conditions are met:
- A person is at risk of significant, preventable harm or loss of benefit.
- The paternalistic action will probably prevent the harm or obtain the benefit.
- The projected benefits of the paternalistic action outweigh its risks.
- The least autonomy-restrictive alternative is adopted.
Therapeutic Privilege
- Information may be withheld from a patient if it is believed that it would result in an adverse effect on the patient's condition or health.
Need for Medical Ethics
- There is a growing need for medical ethics due to:
- Higher standards of care.
- Higher levels of investigation.
- Rising cost of hospitalization.
- Effective and affordable treatment.
- Litigations are on the rise.
- Obligations to hospital, society, and government.
- Differences in attitude and objectives.
Principles in Medical Ethics
- Traditional values:
- Autonomy.
- Beneficence.
- Non-maleficence.
- Justice.
- Related principles:
- Veracity.
- Confidentiality.
- Informed consent.
- Fiduciary.
The Principle of Autonomy
- Autonomy refers to the right to decide, self-determination, and free will.
- It involves the capacity to think, decide, and take action.
- Autonomy includes the right to information and self-determination.
The Principle of Beneficence
- Beneficence refers to actions that promote the well-being of others.
- It involves taking actions that serve the best interest of patients.
- Patient welfare is the primary consideration.
The Principle of Non-Maleficence
- Non-maleficence is based on the concept "first do no harm."
- It involves respecting the sanctity of life and calculating the risk-benefit ratio.
The Principle of Justice
- Justice is a complex concept based on morality, law, religion, and theology.
- It involves fair behavior, concern for fairness, peace, and genuine respect for people.
- The concept of justice differs across cultures and has multiple meanings and explanations.
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Description
This quiz explores the tension between patient autonomy and physician beneficence in medical ethics, including the concept of therapeutic privilege and the role of healthcare providers.
