Medical ethics
Medical ethics is an applied branch of ethics which analyzes the practice of clinical medicine and related scientific research. Medical ethics is based on a set of values that professionals can refer to in the case of any confusion or conflict. These values include the respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice.[1] Such tenets may allow doctors, care providers, and families to create a treatment plan and work towards the same common goal.[2] It is important to note that these four values are not ranked in order of importance or relevance and that they all encompass values pertaining to medical ethics.[3] However, a conflict may arise leading to the need for hierarchy in an ethical system, such that some moral elements overrule others with the purpose of applying the best moral judgement to a difficult medical situation.[4] Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment.[5]
Values
A common framework used when analysing medical ethics is the "four principles" approach postulated by Tom Beauchamp and James Childress in their textbook Principles of Biomedical Ethics. It recognizes four basic moral principles, which are to be judged and weighed against each other, with attention given to the scope of their application. The four principles are:[6]
- Respect for autonomy – the patient has the right to refuse or choose their treatment.[7]
- Beneficence – a practitioner should act in the best interest of the patient.[7]
- Non-maleficence – to not be the cause of harm. Also, "Utility" – to promote more good than harm.[7]
- Justice – concerns the distribution of scarce health resources, and the decision of who gets what treatment.[7][5]
References
- ↑
Beauchamp J. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Principles of Biomedical Ethics. 2013; 7
- ↑ Weise M. Medical Ethics Made Easy. Professional Case Management. 2016; 21(2): 88-94. PMID. DOI.
- ↑
Bioethic Tools: Principles of Bioethics
, depts.washington.edu. Retrieved 21 March 2017. - ↑ Berdine G. The Hippocratic Oath and Principles of Medical Ethics. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles. 10 January 2015; 3(9): 28–32. DOI.
- ↑ a b Wikipedia article: Medical ethics. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
- ↑ Gillon R. Medical ethics: four principles plus attention to scope. British Medical Journal. 1994; 309(184): 184-8. PMID. PMC. DOI.
- ↑ a b c d
Principles of Bioethics | UW Department of Bioethics & Humanities
, depts.washington.edu. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
