ethics Flashcards
•Give an example of an international document which enshrines the right of an individual to the “highest attainable standard of health”
WHO constitution 2006
-a fundamental right of every human
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UN) (1948)
International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural
Rights (1976)
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990)
Why are infectious diseases a global ethical
issue?
massive consequences
isolation and quarantine issues
infectious diseases do not respect country boundaries
why should we care about global health
- It benefits us
- Humanitarian duty of assistance (Peter Singer)
- Justice:
- No moral significance to country boundaries
- Legacy & reparation
- Human rights & global responsibility to their
realisation
what are the 6 considerations of ethical quarantine
• Must be effective in controlling the disease
• If less restrictive measures achieve the same effect,
use them
• Consequences of not quarantining must be severe
• Must be implemented in an equitable manner
• Must be minimally burdensome
• Those contained must receive compensation
what is the value of clinical trials in developing countries
global health inequalities patients may not otherwise access care can increase research in developing countries cheaper more participants
what are the problems with clinical trials in developing countries
less stringent ethical standards
exploitation
drug naive
what was the ethical problem involved in the 1997 AZT trial
what control should be used:
placebo or standard treatment
what are important ethical considerations for trials
ethical review protection of participants valid consent community engagement benefits to participants collaboration with local scientists
according to WMA guidelines, what is the primary role of the medical profession
preserve health and save lives
what 4 things should be considered by medical students on electives
stay within your competence
maintain ethical standards
develop cultural competence
minimise burden on host country
what is the difference between children and young people according to medical ethics
children are probably not mature enough to make important decisions themselves
young people usually are
who makes the decision for children lacking capacity
parents but they are constrained by the best interests of the child
their wishes can be overridden
if assent can be given it should be sought
usually just one parent needs to consent
a mature minor can consent or courts
what should be considered when deciding on best interests of the child
views of the child or young person
the views of the parents
the views of the others close to the child
cultural/ religious beliefs
the views of other healthcare professionals
the least restrictive
what should be considered when deciding on capacity
asses maturity and understanding
the difference between a relatively risk free treatment and a very risky treatment
understand, retain, use, weight and communicate
what is the law about living organ donation
anyone over 16 can be a living donor in Scotland
In England wales and N Ireland can give living organs
as long as valid consent
