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ETHICS. ETHICS. The term ethics refers to the moral principles or values that guide us when deciding what is right and wrong, good and bad. Whether you know it or not ethics play a role in our every day decision making. Your own personal ethics will guide you.
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ETHICS The term ethicsrefers to the moral principles or values that guide us when deciding what is right and wrong, good and bad. • Whether you know it or not ethics play a role in our every day decision making. Your own personal ethics will guide you. • A code of ethics is a set of professional standards that describes the values and personal qualities that should guide our work. • Every professional college has a code of ethics
VALUES WHAT IS A VALUE? • A value is defined as “a belief or attitude about the importance of a goal, an object, a principle or a behaviour”. Our values are reflected in the choices we make and in our actions and behaviours. In the health care professional - patient relationship, each person has the right to have his/her own personal value system and beliefs respected. • What are your personal values? • What are your professional values?
VALUES As an example, there are 8 primary values that are central to health practice according to the CNO: • Safe, competent and ethical care • Health and well being • Choice • Dignity • Confidentiality • Justice • Accountability • Quality practice environments
HEALTH CARE ETHICS THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH CARE ETHICS • Health care ethics is the philosophical study of what is morally right and wrong when providing health care services. • There are 6 basic principles when considering health care ethics. • Ethical principles may provide help for ethical decision making and often play a role in decisions that are taken in health care
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES Autonomy: respecting the person’s right to make choices for him/herself. The right of the person to choose what is best for them. Free choice as long as a person is mentally competent. Right to decide what type of tx they want. Nonmaleficence: refers to our obligation to not knowingly inflicting harm. Can be physical or emotional. Doing no harm Beneficence: doing good or promoting good and avoiding harm. Always place the client’s need ahead of everything else. Focus on the client. Keep health care worker/client relationships purely professional.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES 4. Justice: being treated fair and equal. Each client, regardless of attitude or condition deserves the best care possible. It is always expected that you perform your job honestly. 5. Veracity: Our obligation to tell the truth and not to lie to or deceive others. 6. Fidelity: Our obligation to remain faithful to our commitments. Relates to idea of loyalty, keeping promises, truth telling and being faithful to those who have entrusted us with their care.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS DEALING WITH ETHICAL DILEMMAS A code of ethics is only a guideline, it does not provide all the answers for every situation. When faced with a situation where an ethical decision must be made, always consider the principles of health care ethics and all possible options. Ask yourself: • Does the option respect the client’s wishes? • Does the option treat the client justly and fairly? • Does the option provide the client with a short or long term benefit? • Could the option cause harm or increase the risk of harm?
MEDIA AND ETHICS MOVIES • Million Dollar Baby • Gattaca • Philadelphia • Malice • My Sister’s Keeper • John Q TV SHOWS • House • ER • Law & Order • Grey’s Anatomy
ETHICAL DILEMMAS • Abortion • Euthanasia (active & passive) • Organ transplantation • Blood transfusions • Vegan diets • Needle exchange programs • Medical marijuana • Food/meds in the workplace • Stem cell research/cloning • IVF