week 1 - introduction to ethics in medical practice Flashcards

1
Q

where does the word “ethics” come from?

A
  • from the greek word “ethos”, which means manner, custom, way, practice
  • ethics revolves around good vs. bad, and rights vs. responsibilities
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2
Q

what is virtuous living according according to Aristotle?

A
  • how to live a good life
  • a moral life which is made up of good conduct
  • a life that leads to happiness
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3
Q

what is the objective/aim of ethics in practice?

A
  • to be good
  • to act well in your profession
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4
Q

what is morality?

A
  • the value dimension of human behavior; good-bad duality
  • involved adhering to a specific belief system or code of conduct
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5
Q

what is ethics?

A
  • concerned with how a person should behave in a way that is morally correct is good
  • based on values and reasoning
  • refers to the rules that form moral codes about what is right/wrong etc
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6
Q

ethics is primarily a matter of _____, whereas morality is a matter of _____

A
  • knowing
  • doing
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7
Q

what is ethics in medicine?

A

refers to how doctors must conduct themselves and how they can address the ethical dilemmas that arise in clinical practice

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8
Q

what is medical ethics (or healthcare ethics)?

A
  • an area of ethics concerned with the practice of clinical medicine and scientific research
  • has a flexible set of solutions (facts, logic, syllogism)
  • seen as a proscriptive activity telling you what you cannot do
  • can be very freeing in many cases; affirming that you are doing the right thing
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9
Q

what is bioethics?

A
  • concerned with the ethical issues of biomedical scientific technologies and the future of human life
  • studies the philosophical, social, legal issues arising in medicine and life sciences
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10
Q

what are examples of modern issues of bioethics?

A
  • designer babies
  • DNA banks
  • genetic modification / agricultural activity
  • human genome & associated challenges
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11
Q

why is medical ethics important?

A
  • to help resolve disputes between family, patients, physicians, and other parties
  • to adhere to professional duty and maintain a clear conscience
  • to identify an ethical challenge and not make yourself look uninformed
  • to maintain the respect of your patients
  • to maintain respectful relationships with other clinicians
  • to maintain some efficiency in decision in decision making and the care process
  • to reduce burnout (when physicians’ personal values contradict those of their organization)
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12
Q

what are the consequences of the absence of ethics?

A
  • ethical violations
  • medical errors
  • the patient feeling their dignity is not respected; they are not heard
  • lack of trust in the doctor-patient relationship & the medical profession
  • lack of adherence to treatment
  • conflict of interest
  • causing physical/emotional/financial injury to patients through inappropriate behavior
  • doctors withholding treatments or promoting unnecessary treatments to meet personal or institutional interests
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13
Q

what are the 3 core values of the medical ethics code?

A
  • compassion: concern for patient’s condition and distress
  • competence: scientific, technical, cultural, ethical
  • autonomy or self-determination: individual and collective decision-making procedures
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14
Q

list the points of the Hippocratic oath

A

1) I swear by all the gods, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill according to my ability and judgement this oath and this covenant
2) To hold the one who has taught me this art as equal to my parents and to live my life in partnership with him
3) I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgement; I will keep them from harm and injustice
4) I will neither give a deadly drug to anyone if asked for it nor will I make a suggestion to this effect, will not give to a woman an abortive remedy and will guard my life and my art.
5) I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will withdraw in favor of such men as are engaged in this work.
6) Into whatever houses I may enter, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining clear of all voluntary injustice and of other mischief
7) Things I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of treatment I will keep to myself holding such things unutterable [‘‘shameful to be spoken’’]
8) If I fulfill this oath and do not violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art if I transgress it and swear falsely, may the opposite of all this be my lot

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15
Q

what is the relevance of the Hippocratic oath today?

A
  • abortion
  • physician-assisted suicide (EUTHANASIA)
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16
Q

list the points in the Declaration of Geneva

A

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
- I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;
- THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
- I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;
- I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
- I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;
- I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
- I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice; I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;
- I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;
- I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;
- I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard; I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;
- I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor

17
Q

what is the purpose of medical law?

A

to establish standards and define principles/procedures on how physicians are required to deal with ethical issues in patient care and research

18
Q

what are the regulatory issues in medical law?

A
  • medical licenses
  • monitoring and regulation of clinical conduct
  • dealing with misconduct/malpractice
19
Q

describe the difference between criminal and civil law

A
  • civil law = concerns dealings between private individuals or groups
  • criminal law = concerns matters serious enough to be considered offenses against the whole community
20
Q

describe the difference between statute and common law

A
  • statute = refers to written law decided by the legislature or other government agency which is relatively difficult to change
  • common law = based on precedent or case; it concerns decisions made by judges and it’s relatively more malleable
21
Q

where does the majority of cases that concern healthcare take place?

A

in the civil system (can become criminal)

22
Q

what is the difference between personal and professional ethics?

A
  • personal ethics = refers to the ethical values and standards that a person identifies with in respect to people and situations that they deal with in everyday life
  • professional ethics = refers to the ethical guidelines and rules that a person must adhere to in respect of their interactions and dealings inter professional life
23
Q

what is the WMA?

A
  • World Medical association
  • International organization representing physicians
24
Q

what are the purposes of the WMA?

A
  • provides ethical guidance to physicians through its Declarations, Resolutions and Statements
  • guide National Medical Associations, governments and international organizations throughout the world
  • is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO)
25
Q

what is the GMA?

A
  • General Medical Council
  • regulatory body for medical professionals in the UK
26
Q

what are the purposes of the GMC?

A
  • maintain and manage a register of doctors licensed to practice medicine in the UK
  • set professional standards of practice - ethical guidance
  • supervise medical education and training
  • revalidation & appraisal of doctors’ fitness to practice
  • investigate on concerns about doctors and enforce professional discipline