Issues that Influence Medical Ethics
and the Appropriate Ethical Conduct
In the
healthcare organizations the medical professionals are governed by a body of
ethical statements that was developed specifically for the benefit of the
patient. These ethical statements are established standards of conduct that
guides the honorable and professional behavior of the medical practitioner. The
nine (9) code of medical ethics clearly defines the physician professional
responsibility to his patients, his colleagues, to society as well as to
himself.
There are
several guiding ethical principles that have be identified as fundamental to
the decision making process related to healthcare related ethical dilemmas.
Pozgar (2012) described these principles as universal rules of conduct that are
derivatives of ethical theories. Ethical principles provide a framework for the
analysis of various ethical dilemmas. The caregiver is often times faced with
the difficult task of choosing between conflicting ethical principles.
Beneficence – The desire to provide excellent quality
care for the patients, by demonstrating compassion, kindness, generosity and helpfulness.
Caregivers are expected to strike a balance between benefits to be gained and the
risks involved in a recommended procedure.
Nonmaleficence – The caregiver endeavors not to
cause harm to the patient which is in alignment with the In re Conroy concept that states that the physician basic
obligation to the patient is “....first
do no harm.”
Justice – the principle that obligates the caregiver
to be conscientious in the distribution of scarce benefits and risks. There
should be no preferential treatment of one patient over another.
Autonomy – This principle recognizes the rights
of the individual to make his own decision. Adherence to this principle is
provide for the Constitution of the United States. Based on the Patient’s Bill
of rights the patient has the right be given information and to take part in
the treatment decision process. The patient must be given all relevant information
regarding benefits, the risks and the alternatives to a recommended course of
action. The caregiver must respect the decision of an autonomous patient, with sound
mental capacity to act on his own.
One of the
healthcare guiding principles states that “A physician shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues, and of
other health professionals and shall safeguard patient confidences within the
constraints of law”
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