Ethics

Question 1

What does the world medical association declaration of geneva state

Answer 1

The health of my patient will be my first consideration.

Question 2

Core ethical principles

Answer 2

• Proportionate and just actions
• accord with ethical standards of civilians
• According to clinical need, impartially and without discrimination
• Shouldnt be involved in punishments
• report violations of ethics and law
• Justify departure from ethical principles or guidelines

Question 3

Triaging ethics

Answer 3

Recognise and acknowledge its natural to feel some moral obligations. But its only ethical to treat according to clinical need

Question 4

Rules about shooting

Answer 4

Armed with light weapons for use in their defence or in the defence of the wounded and sick in their charge. Must never use offensively.

Question 5

What are doctors professional and ethical duties

Answer 5

Preserve life, care for the sick and wounded and reduce suffering

Question 6

Duty of care under fire

Answer 6

Having to use weapons to protect their patients

Question 7

Provisions for army medics under international humanitarian law

Answer 7

Wounded and sick protected and respected
No distinction in the treatment of the wounded and sick on anything other than clinical grounds
Care for enemy as you would your own
Nobody should be compelled to disobey medical ethics or refrain from action

Question 8

What role do military commanders have in medical military ethics

Answer 8

Military commanders are required to support doctors in the fulfilment of their ethical duties and will expect doctors to act in accordance with their professional obligations

Question 9

How can you address conflicting obligations and loyalties

Answer 9

Adherence to core ethical principles

Question 10

What if the patient doesnt have capacity

Answer 10

Provide care on the basis of what is in his or her best interests

Question 11

What if consent is hard to get

Answer 11

If it is an emergency and is secondary to life saving care then its fine to skip

Question 12

What if there is uncertainty about what the patient wants

Answer 12

It is sensible to assume that the injured person would want to receive appropriate care and treatment

Question 13

What anxieties should a doctor be aware of in enemy injured

Answer 13

May anticipate ill treatment or fear consequences of non cooperation

Question 14

How can you make sure consent is good

Answer 14

Make sure it isnt delegated to non military personnel

Question 15

What do you need to consider about interpreters

Answer 15

That they are from the same cultural or religious background as the patient. You dont want cultural bias

Question 16

What forms can consent take

Answer 16

Express or implied

Question 17

What to do if a patient refuses treatment

Answer 17

If they have capacity they are allowed to deny treatment but you should make sure that you explain sensitively so that they dont have lots of anxiety

Question 18

Can members of the armed forces refuse treatment

Answer 18

They have exactly the same freedom of choice as to the medical treatment they receive as all patients

Question 19

Is confidentiality maintained after death

Answer 19

yes

Question 20

Does duty of confidentiality apply equally to members of the army and civilian patients

Answer 20

Yes

Question 21

When can you breach confidentiality

Answer 21

When the health, security or safety of the unit, the patient or the wider public is at risk

Question 22

How is competence different in the army

Answer 22

Doctors may be required to provide care for patients across a broader range of competencies than would be required of a practicioner in civilian practise.

Question 23

If you are told to do something you dont feel competent in what should you do

Answer 23

Seek supervision from a senior or more experienced colleague to ensure the risk to patients is minimised

Question 24

Should you accept or decline to treat a patient

Answer 24

If you think acting would do more harm than waiting for a senior then you should decline.

Question 25

What should you do if you are incompetent but the alternative is no treatment

Answer 25

Act in the way which will increase a patients chance of survival or significantly improved outcome

Question 26

UN principles of detainment

Answer 26

Duty to provide protection of physical and mental health and treatment of disease as if they werent detained

Question 27

Can a doctor declare a detainee fit for detention, interrogation, questioning or punishment

Answer 27

No. Can declare them unfit based on medical issues but not fit.

Question 28

Cons of treating civilians

Answer 28

We arent a humanitarian hospital. Can be better to support local hospitals and encourage them to go there

Question 29

Can you act as an officer not a doctor if you tell someone youre not a doctor anymore

Answer 29

No

Question 30

Can detainees refuse treatment or examination

Answer 30

Yes

Question 31

What amounts to unethical practises and abuse

Answer 31

Disproportionate and unjust treatment

Question 32

If your examination would lead to transfer to a harmful facility what should you do

Answer 32

Refuse to examine