1. Ethics
DHO 8 Chapter 5

2. Ethics
Ethics=set of principles relating to what is morally right or wrong
Ethics provide a standard of conduct or code of behavior

3. Ethics
Laws are based on ethical principles and most laws enforce ethical standards
Confidentiality is an example of a legal standard that is also an ethical standard
It would be illegal and unethical to give out private patient information without consent
Sometimes laws are in conflict with a person’s ethical principles
For example, a healthcare worker who is a vegan might be opposed to feeding a patient who is eating meat

4. Ethics
Modern health care advances have created many ethical dilemmas for health care providers:
Should a person have the right to euthanasia (assisted death) if they are terminally ill & in excruciating pain?
Should a patient be told if a health care provider has AIDS?
When should life support be discontinued?
Can a hospital refuse to provide expensive treatment such as a bone marrow transplant if a patient can not pay?
Should aborted embryos be used to obtain stem cells for research to cure diseases?

5. Ethics Committee
Most hospitals have ethics committees that examine ethical issues related to patient care.
They can advise patients, families and healthcare providers.
A hospital ethics committee might decide the best action to take for a terminally ill patient on a respirator.
An ethics committee might also be asked to pass judgment on the actions of a healthcare provider.
Teacher notes:
Ethics committees have tremendous power in today’s healthcare environment. Patients are holding their doctors and hospitals to a higher standard of care. Committee meetings must respect patient confidentiality, examine facts, and support the ethical principles of the hospital (or other healthcare facility) and professions they represent.
Ethics committees can serve different functions (as noted in this slide) and can have different roles/authority in different facilities.

6. Ethics Most professional associations write codes of ethics
Professional codes of ethics set standards of professional conduct that promote the welfare of patients and assure high quality care

7. Example of Code of Ethics
American Nurses Association Code of Ethics states:
The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.
The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population
The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient

8. Code of Ethics
Most professional code of ethics contain these basic principles:
Put the saving of life and the promotion of health above all else
Make every effort to keep the pt comfortable & preserve life when possible
Respect the pt’s choice to die peacefully & with dignity
Treat all pts equally
Provide care for all individuals to the best of your ability

9. Code of Ethics continued
Maintain a competent level of skill for your health care career
Stay informed & up to date, & pursue continuing education
Maintain confidentiality
Refrain from immoral, unethical, & illegal practices. If you observe others doing any of these, report them
Show loyalty to pts, coworkers, & employers
Be sincere, honest, & caring

10. Incident Reports/ Electronic Occurrence Reports
To ensure prompt reporting & documentation of all incidents resulting in injury or having potential adverse affects to patients, employees, or visitors.
To accurately document threats or actions of violence and environmental emergencies.
To accurately document incidents of property damage.
Focus on the facts.
The purpose of the incident report is for legal record keeping – NOT punishment
This slide explains the general purpose of incident reports in a healthcare setting.