Medical Ethics PDF

Medical Ethics Introduction Ethics is concerned with moral principles, values and standards of conduct. (WHO) Ethics is the study of morality - careful and systematic reflection on and analysis of moral decisions and behaviour. Morality is the value dimension of human decision-maki...

Medical Ethics Introduction Ethics is concerned with moral principles, values and standards of conduct. (WHO) Ethics is the study of morality - careful and systematic reflection on and analysis of moral decisions and behaviour. Morality is the value dimension of human decision-making and hehaviour. Introduction The Greek word ethike means habit, action, character. The Latin word mos (murale) means habit or costom. simple words, Ethics is a set of philosophical beliefs and practices concerned with the distinction between right and wrong. Introduction Ethics is a very large and complex field of study with many branches or subdivisions. Medical Ethics is the branch of ethics that deals with Medical ethics is closely related, but not identical to, bioethics (biomedical ethics). Introduction Whereas medical ethics focuses primarily on issues arising out of the practice of medicine, bioethics is a very broad subject that is concerned with the moral issues raised by developments in the biological sciences more generally. Introduction Medical Etiquettes: The conventional laws, customs of courtesy and the code of conduct governing the relationship of the physician with his professional colleagues. Introduction In recent times medical ethics has been greatly influenced by developments in human rights. Physicians frequently have to deal with medical problems resulting from violations of human rights, such as forced migration and forture. Introduction Medical ethics is also closely related to law. Quite often ethics prescribes higher standards of behaviour than does the law, and occasionally ethics requires that physicians disobey laws that demand unethical behaviour. Importance of Medical Ethics Ethical principles such as respect for persons, informed consent and confidentiality are basic to the physician-patient relationship. Application of these principles in specific situations is often problematic, since physicians, patients, their family members and other healthcare personnel may disagree about what is the right way to act in a situation. Importance of Medical Ethics The study of ethics prepares medical professionals to recognize difficult situations and to deal with them in a rational and principled manner. Ethics is also important in physicians interactions with society, and their colleagues and for the conduct of medical research. Principles of Medical Ethics Autonomy Beneficence Confidentiality Do no harm / Non-maleficence Equity or Justice Principles of Medical Ethics Autonomy Patient has freedom of thought, intention and action when making decisions regarding health care procedures. For a patient to make a fully informed decision, she/he must understand all risks and benefits of the procedure and the likelihood of success. Principles of Medical Ethics Autonomy This includes the need to tell the truth (veracity) and to be faithful to one's commitments (fidelity). Principles of Medical Ethics Beneficence The practitioner should act in ‘’the best interest’’ of the patient - the procedure be provided with the intent of doing good to the patient. Patient's welfare is the first consideration. Principles of Medical Ethics Confidentiality Based on loyalty and trust. Maintain the confidentiality of all personal, medical and treatment information. Information to be revealed for the benefit of the patient and when ethically and legally required. Principles of Medical Ethics Do no harm/Non-maleficence “Above all, do no harm” Make sure that the procedure does not harm the patient or others in society. Principles of Medical Ethics When interventions undertaken by physicians create a positive outcome while also potentially doing harm it is known as the "double effect“ Eg.. the use of morphine in the dying patient. cases pain and suffering while hastening the demise through suppression of the respiratory drive. Principles of Medical Ethics Equity or Justice Fair and equal distribution of scarce health resources, and the decision of who gets what treatment. The burdens and benefits of new or experimental treatments must be distributed equally among all groups in society.