John Q How did Jon Q follow the rules of society to obtain money needed for his son’s operation? Why didn’t the doctors and the health plan care about John Q’s son and his need for a transplant? In your opinion, was the decision made by Jon Q to hold hostages correct or incorrect? Why? What other motive, besides the hostages, did the police have for trying to get John Q out of the hospital? Was the broadcasting of Jon Q’s conversation with his wife ethical or unethical? Why? Does John Q’s decision to commit suicide to save his son change your thinking about whether or not his decision to hold hostages was correct or incorrect? Why or Why not? Did you agree with the acquittal of John Q for charges of attempted murder and armed criminal action? Why or why not? How does this movie represent the exact problems present in our society?

Medical Ethics

Ethics A set of principles of conduct that establish standards and morals that govern decisions and behavior Ethical decisions are based on moral values formed through influence of family, culture and society

Ethics The standards of behavior required by a health care provider to carry out their duties: Confidentiality Accuracy Integrity Dependability

Ethics Professional ethics should NOT differ from personal ethics

Ethics Formalized codes of ethics: Govern behavior of health care members Increases level of competence Provides standards of care within the profession

Talking Points and Notes for Presenter Hippocratic Oath “I swear by Apollo the Physician…to keep according to my ability and judgment the following oath” “I will prescribe regimen for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone” The Oath of Hippocrates of Kos, 5th Century BC Talking Points and Notes for Presenter The Hippocratic Oath established the Western paradigm of a profession as a “morally self-regulating” discipline. Authorship of the Oath is sometimes attributed to Hippocrates of Kos, but the document itself dates from anywhere between the fifth and third centuries BC. The most substantive section of the Hippocratic Oath focuses on prohibiting certain conduct such as “prescribing a deadly drug” or giving “advice which may cause his death.” Thus, the medical profession is commonly considered by many to be guided by the Hippocratic maxim, “first do no harm” (which does not appear in the Oath itself but rather elsewhere in the Hippocratic corpus). Reference: 1. Orr RD, Pang N, Pellegrino ED, Siegler M. Use of the Hippocratic oath: a review of twentieth century practices and a content analysis of oaths administered in medical schools in the US and Canada in 1993. J Clin Ethics. 1997;8:377-388.

Basic rules of ethics Put saving of life and promotion of health above all else Treat all patients equally Maintain competent level of skill consistent with occupation Maintain confidentiality and respect for privacy of others

Basic rules of ethics Refrain from immoral and illegal practices Show loyalty to patients, co-workers, and employer Be sincere, honest, and caring

Moral Beliefs Questions Name the individual who has had the greatest influence on your understanding of right & wrong. Why? What do you value most? Why? What do you use as a benchmark for making moral decisions? Where did it come from? Who is your personal hero? Why? Who is your professional hero? Why? State 3 qualities you consider important in order to maintain professional integrity and why.