BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986 standard approach to biomedical ethics endorsed by most moral theories provide a framework that may facilitate resolution of ethical problems four key principles: autonomy (respect for autonomy), non-maleficence, beneficence, justice each principle needs to be weighed and balanced in determining an optimal course of action

BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986 Autonomy – principle of self-rule right to participate in and decide on a course of action; freedom to act independently competent adult’s informed decision to refuse (even life-saving) treatment supercedes offer of treatment medical paternalism - acting without consent or overriding a person’s wishes, wants, or actions, in order to benefit the patient or prevent harm strong paternalism, the overriding a competent patent’s wishes weak paternalism, acting for the benefit of an incompetent patient  The Principle of Autonomy An individual's action ought to be the result of his or her own choices. Persons ought to be self-determining

BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986 Non-maleficence - principle of avoiding harm to the patient justification for ‘acts and omissions’ distinction in law (withholding/withdrawing treatment that is not benefiting patient) The Principle of Non-Maleficence Avoid harm  

BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986 Beneficence – principle of doing what is best for the patient promotion of patient’s best interests prevent or remove harm encompasses sanctity of life principle when in conflict, non-maleficence supersedes the principle of beneficence. The Principle of Beneficence Act in ways that promote the well being of others Prevent or remove harm. Promote good. 

BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986 Justice - principle based on fairness, equity and equality treat similar cases in similar ways distribute health care resources (goods and service) fairly proper distribution of benefits and burdens The Principle of Justice  Treat equal cases equally. Distribute all benefits and burdens equally. Distribute goods and services based on need.