Medical Ethics
Medical Ethics
Source: From Medical Ethics For Dummies by Jane Runzheimer, MD, Linda Johnson Larsen
Medical ethics is trying to do the right thing while achieving the best possible outcome for every patient. Principles and theories in medical ethics apply to just about every problem or situation. The interesting part of ethics is the discussion
Basic Principles of Medical Ethics
There are four basic principles of medical ethics.
•Autonomy: People have the right to control what happens to their bodies.
•Beneficence: All healthcare providers must try to improve their patient’s health, to do the most good for the patient in every situation.
•Nonmaleficence: “First, do no harm” is the basis of medical ethics. In every situation, healthcare providers should avoid causing harm to their patients.
•Justice: The fourth principle demands that you should try to be as fair as possible when offering treatments to patients and giving unusual medical resources.
Helping Medical Patients Reach Informed Consent
Providers need to be sure patients understand their conditions and the options for treatment before any procedure begins. You can do this by initiating a conversation, asking questions, and communicating clearly.
•Carefully describe the diagnosis and possible treatments.
•Allow time for questions.
•Be aware of religious or cultural differences that may affect understanding.
•Request an interpreter, if necessary.
Reviewing Ethics and Common Controversies in Medicine
•Abortion: Autonomy and nonmaleficence come into conflict in this issue. How much right does a woman has over her body, and how does that right balance with the rights of the fetus?
•Physician-assisted suicide: If doctor respect autonomy, can they deny a patient’s request to die? Should doctors, traditionally committed to prolonging life, be involved in assisted suicide?
•Medical mistakes: Mistakes happen in all walks of life. But medical
Source: From Medical Ethics For Dummies by Jane Runzheimer, MD, Linda Johnson Larsen
Medical ethics is trying to do the right thing while achieving the best possible outcome for every patient. Principles and theories in medical ethics apply to just about every problem or situation. The interesting part of ethics is the discussion
Basic Principles of Medical Ethics
There are four basic principles of medical ethics.
•Autonomy: People have the right to control what happens to their bodies.
•Beneficence: All healthcare providers must try to improve their patient’s health, to do the most good for the patient in every situation.
•Nonmaleficence: “First, do no harm” is the basis of medical ethics. In every situation, healthcare providers should avoid causing harm to their patients.
•Justice: The fourth principle demands that you should try to be as fair as possible when offering treatments to patients and giving unusual medical resources.
Helping Medical Patients Reach Informed Consent
Providers need to be sure patients understand their conditions and the options for treatment before any procedure begins. You can do this by initiating a conversation, asking questions, and communicating clearly.
•Carefully describe the diagnosis and possible treatments.
•Allow time for questions.
•Be aware of religious or cultural differences that may affect understanding.
•Request an interpreter, if necessary.
Reviewing Ethics and Common Controversies in Medicine
•Abortion: Autonomy and nonmaleficence come into conflict in this issue. How much right does a woman has over her body, and how does that right balance with the rights of the fetus?
•Physician-assisted suicide: If doctor respect autonomy, can they deny a patient’s request to die? Should doctors, traditionally committed to prolonging life, be involved in assisted suicide?
•Medical mistakes: Mistakes happen in all walks of life. But medical