1. Introducing Ethics and Medicine
Bioethics

2. Ethics in Medicine Example

3. 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

4. Rights and Obligations
The Doctor, Patients and Family

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. What is the role of the doctor?

9. 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?

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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