code of ethics

Question 1

Describe any ethical theory that is ideal for solving ethical dilemmas in critical care setting.

Answer 1

.Deontology and utilitarianism are two of the most influential frameworks in moral philosophy, and they often clash when it comes to making ethical decisions. Here’s a breakdown of their core ideas:

Deontology (Duty Ethics):

• Focus: Right vs. Wrong actions.
• Core Principle: Morality is based on following universal moral rules or duties, regardless of the consequences.
• Example: A doctor always has a duty to do no harm, even if it means letting a patient die.

Utilitarianism (Consequentialism):

• Focus: Outcomes and consequences of actions.
• Core Principle: The most ethical choice is the one that brings the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
• Example: A doctor might withhold a risky treatment from one patient to allocate resources for treating several other patients with a higher chance of survival.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

|—|—|—|
| Focus | Duty, following moral rules | Consequences of actions |
| Basis of Morality | Universal moral principles | Maximizing overall well-being |
| Strengths | Provides clear guidelines, respects individual rights | Considers the bigger picture, efficient for resource allocation |
| Weaknesses | Can be inflexible, may not account for specific situations | Can disregard individual rights, difficult to quantify “good” |

Applying them to a scenario:

Imagine a doctor faces a situation where a healthy patient needs an organ transplant to survive. There’s another critically ill patient who would also benefit from the same organ, but their chance of survival is lower.

• Deontological approach: The doctor might prioritize the first patient as not harming them aligns with the duty to do no harm.
• Utilitarian approach: The doctor might favor the first patient with a higher chance of survival, maximizing overall well-being.

In conclusion:

• Deontology ensures fairness and protects individual rights but can be inflexible.
• Utilitarianism promotes the greater good but might overlook individual cases.

The most suitable approach often depends on the specific situation. Real-world ethics often involve a nuanced consideration of both duty and consequences.

Feature | Deontology | Utilitarianism |

Question 2

Explain the relationship between ethics and law in patient care.

Answer 2

Ideally, both work together to ensure the best possible care for patients, respecting their rights and promoting their well-being.

Question 3

Explain why integrated ethical decision-making theories are used in resolving ethical dilemmas in health care setting.

Answer 3

Looking at all sides helps doctors make the best choices for patients in tough situations by considering all ethical theories and without showing favoritism.

Question 4

Explain why ethical, legal, and moral principles are considered building blocks of clinical practice.

Answer 4

. Ethical principles guide medical personnel to provide a quality treatment by providing a high quality patient care, respecting the patients rights and values. this help medical personnel to make good decisions and high quality patient care.

. Legal principles help to govern patients from abuse by making sure that there views are respected, also legal principles help medical personnel to follow the rules set thereby ensuring high quality patient care and good decision making by th doctor.

. Moral principles guide health care workers to have compassion towards the patient in order to make them embrace good patient handling skills,

Question 5

Explain why the following are important in clinical practice mostly the medical imaging department.
a. The professional practice standards
b. The clinical performance standards
c, The quality performance standards

Answer 5

a. Professional Practice Standards are essential for radiographers to ensure they deliver high quality and safe patient care. These standards are knowledge, skills and behaviors expected for a radiographer in their practice.

b. Clinical performance standards ensure that radiographer are well prepared to deliver high quality patient care and diagnostics.
c. Quality Performance Standards they ensure that radiographers are ethical, competent and deliver optimal results as they safeguard patient safety, optimize image quality.

Question 6

explain the code of ethics

Answer 6

• A radiographer must conduct him/herself in a professional manner, treat patients and colleagues with respect
• A radiographer must act as an agent of observation and communication to obtain information for the physician.
• A radiographer must be conversant with radiography techniques and how to use the equipments entrusted to him.
• A radiographer must adhere to the code of conduct to protect patients rights and stick with professional standards’
• A radiographer must be courteous enough to never disclose the privileged information entrusted to him by the patient.
• A radiographer should be willing and ready to upgrade the knowledge of their profession.

Question 7

CLINICAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Answer 7

1. Assessment.
   The healthcare professional gathers relevant information about the patient and the procedure.
2. Analysis.
   The healthcare professional evaluates the data gathered during the assessment phase and formulates a strategy for carrying out the procedure.
3. Patient education.
   The healthcare professional tells the patient about the procedures to be performed.
4. Implementation.
   Carrying out the procedure.
5. Evaluation
   The healthcare professional checks if the goals of the formulated strategy have been achieved.
6. Documentation.
   the outcomes of the procedure of the patient are documented.

Question 7

QUALITY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Answer 7

1. Assessment
   The healthcare professional gathers relevant details about the equipment, the procedure, and the work environment
2. Analysis/ determination
   The healthcare professional evaluates the data gathered during the assessment phase and assesses whether adjustments are necessary for the equipment, procedures, or work environment.
3. Education
   the practitioner tells patients and other healthcare providers about the procedures, equipment and facilities.
4. Implementation
   The practitioner engages in quality assurance activities and gathers information on equipment and materials.
5. Evaluation
   The practitioner assesses the assurance results and develops an appropriate plan.
6. Implementation
   The healthcare professional puts the quality assurance action plan into practice.
7. Outcomes measurements
   The practitioner assesses the outcome of the quality assurance action plan.
8. Documentation
   The practitioner documents quality assurance activities and plans.

Question 7

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Answer 7

1. Quality.
   The practitioner aims to deliver excellent care to all patients and actively works to improve the quality of service provided to them.
2. Self assessment.
   The healthcare professional aims to deliver excellent care to every patient.
3. Education.
   The healthcare professional continuously updates his/her knowledge and stays informed about clinical practice.
4. Ethics
   Must adhere to the code of conduct of the profession.
5. Exploration and investigation.
   The Healthcare professional should work towards the advancement of the profession.
6. Collaboration and collegiality
   The healthcare professional should promote positive collegial relationships and learn to work together with everyone.

Question 7

Why train for the profession of Medical Imaging

Answer 7

To expand my knowledge and experience of life, interms of understanding what other people are saying and to change my mindset in understanding people.

To learn how to respect both patients and other people including healthcare workers and the public, in considering their needs and to make a sound relationship with them.