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Flashcards in Ethics Deck (11)
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1
Q

what are the 3 levels of medical ethics?

A

1) laws (written and case law)
2) Guidelines and recommendations
3) Ethics as ability to critically and morally reason

2
Q

what is ethics vs medical ethics?

A

The study of what is morally right and what is morally wrong (critical approach, based on rational argument)
Medical ethics deals with this in healthcare setting

3
Q

what are the GMC guidelines for consent?

A

presume that every adult patient (>16 years) has the capacity to decide about their care, irrespective of:

  • age, disability or appearance
  • behaviour and beliefs
  • medical condition (including mental)
  • apparent inability of communicate
  • decision that others disagree with or consider unwise
4
Q

what happens if someone is just under 16 in terms of consent?

A

asses for individual

5
Q

what governs consent over the age if 16?

A
assessment of capacity
can the patient:
- understand treatment
- retain information
- weigh up options to make decisions
- communicate decision
6
Q

what is the law of emergency?

A

if someone (eg) needs resuscitated you can go ahead without consent

7
Q

what are the 3 categories of consent groups?

A

1) child or young person with limited capacities to consent
2) competent adult
3) Adult with limited or no capacities for consent

8
Q

is it ever justifiable to lie to a patient/withhold information?

A

yes

  • to prevent other patient’s confidentiality
  • downplay severity of condition to child
  • end stage dementia patients to prevent distress
  • if you’ve seen test results/scan but cant deliver bad news (more senior has to do it or might want to redo tests)
9
Q

name 4 main ethical theories

A

deontology (respect autonomy)
consequentialism/utilitarianism
virtue ethics (personal character)
religious theories

10
Q

what is consequentialism and when is it used?

A

can override decision of patient/family if bad consequences

used eg. if parent decides to treat child’s cancer holistically

11
Q

what are the 4 main ethical principles?

A

respect for autonomy (respect patients free will and decisions)
beneficence (balance benefit/risk of treatment)
non-maleficence (avoid harm)
justice

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