Ethical Principles

Ethics

Ethical Principles

·        Beneficence: acting in a way that benefits the patient 

·        Paternalism: Substituting the doctor‟s judgement for that of the patient. The patient‟s autonomy is over-ridden. If the patient is not autonomous there is no paternalism. Can be justified or unjustified

·        Non-maleficence: minimising harm.  Harms should be outweighed by benefits

·        Justice: fairness – all members of society share in its benefits and burdens 

·        Autonomy: ability to make one‟s own decisions. Exercising autonomy requires intellectual and emotional competence and the opportunity for action

·        Dignity: preserving self respect, treating as a means not an end

·        Truthfulness: central or absolute?

·        Futility: endeavours that are doomed to failure.  Depends on what the goal is