Introducing Ethics and Medicine Bioethics

Ethics in Medicine Example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5sZTNPMQRM

Meaning Bioethics “Life ethics” Concerned with the establishment and maintenance of vital and human relationships between the sick and dying and the well and the professional

Rights and Obligations The Doctor, Patients and Family

Paternalism Position that professionals should take a parental role towards patients Arguments for People don’t know what’s best for them, little medical background, essentially children Patients don’t want to be responsible

Radical Individualism Patients should have absolute rights over their bodies Arguments for Doctors are humans, capable of making errors Patients and families are better qualified in their own bodies Some issues with treatment are not medical Information is more available today Paternalism has led to dehumanization

Reciprocal Model Patients and families work together Arguments for Professionals are not gods or parents Doctors need to work together with other professionals View recognizes the patients’ rights Accepts the idea that neither knows best, should be give and take Patients are entitled to know what is happening to them Collegial and contractual methods

What is the role of the doctor?

Informed Consent What extent should patients and families be told the truth? Formalized procedure in which patients consent in writing Paternalistic view holds that patients do not need to know more than what is necessary Why? Other arguments? Third views arguments?

Informed Consent Today Perhaps more important than ever More complex procedures Law in the U.S. Procedure Explain procedure and purpose Explain effects or complications State length Include importance What are some reasons informed consent may not be given? Usually a form

Informed Consent Today Why could doctors be against full disclosure? Why should doctors practice full disclosure? Why could patients or families be opposed to informed consent? Why should patients or families utilize informed consent?

Guidelines Today Patients and families should be kept as informed as possible Should be dealt with honestly and compassionately One can avoid telling the truth if indicated and ignorance will do no harm Patient’s desires should come before the family’s