Medical Ethics Principles Quiz

Definition of Ethics

• Ethics is the study of morality, involving careful and systematic reflection on and analysis of moral decisions and behavior.

Medical Ethics

• Medical ethics is the branch of ethics that deals with moral issues in medical practice.
• Ethics often prescribes higher standards of behavior than the law, and occasionally requires physicians to disobey laws that demand unethical behavior.

Principles of Medical Ethics

• There are 4 main principles that control all medical staff and health providers:
  • Autonomy: Respect for the patient's right to self-determination, respecting their preferences and decisions regarding treatment.
  • Beneficence: The obligation to act for the benefit of the patient, supporting moral rules to protect and defend the right of others.
  • Non-Maleficence: The obligation to avoid harming the patient, weighing benefits against burdens of interventions and treatments.
  • Justice: Fair, equitable, and appropriate treatment of persons, ensuring fairness in distribution of resources.

Autonomy

• The patient's right to take their own decisions concerning their treatment approach, including refusing treatment.
• The physician's duty is to explain the consequences of the patient's decision and the adverse effects of refusing treatment.
• Autonomy does not extend to persons who lack the capacity to act autonomously, such as infants, children, and those with developmental, mental, or physical disorders.

Achieving Autonomy

• Provide sufficient information to help make informed choices (informed consent).
• Truth telling.
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality.
• Recognize the capacity of mentally and legally competent patients (e.g., children, terminally ill).

Beneficence

• The obligation to act for the benefit of the patient, supporting moral rules to protect and defend the right of others.

Non-Maleficence

• The obligation to avoid harming the patient, weighing benefits against burdens of interventions and treatments.

Justice

• Fair, equitable, and appropriate treatment of persons, ensuring fairness in distribution of resources.

Conflicts Between Principles

• Conflicts may arise between principles, especially between beneficence and autonomy.
• Example: a patient's autonomous decision may conflict with the physician's obligation to benefit the patient.

Code of Ethics

• Defines the values or standards of behavior for an organization.
• Provides a framework for making decisions and resolving conflicts.

Test your knowledge on medical ethics principles which guide moral issues in medical practice. Learn about the 4 main principles that control all medical staff and professionals.