Medical Ethics

Written By: Marlin Yacoub

Edited By: Tanya Chaphekar

Medical ethics is the examination of a specific problem, usually a clinical case, using facts and logic based on a certain set of values. Although some problems can be addressed directly using the given guidelines, other problems can be more complex and can precipitate debate. Such complex ethical issues that a doctor or medical professional may face include withholding treatments to meet a budget, covering up mistakes, reporting a colleague, prescribing a placebo, and breaching confidentiality (Caplan, n.d.).

In the medical field, one is bound to run into ethical situations. In such situations, an objective approach is essential. In other words, one should not let their emotions, religious beliefs, prejudices, and other biases interfere with one’s ability to do one’s job. Being a medical professional gives one the opportunity to interact with patients of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, religious beliefs, and lifestyles. These patients will not only differ from each other but also differ from the doctors themselves.

When facing an ethical issue, despite whether or not it is within the medical field, there are three basic values that are referenced (Gracyk, 2012). The first value is the principle of autonomy or the idea that one has the right to their own choices. In the medical profession, it establishes that patients have the right to determine their own health care. The second value is the principle of confidentiality, which is the perseverance of patient-doctor confidentiality. The third value is the principle of beneficence, which revolves around the idea that one must do good for his or her client or patient.

Principle of autonomy (Gracyk, 2012)

This principle establishes the idea that a patient has his or her right to determine their treatment or health care plan. When a sick patient visits a hospital, they are told their diagnosis and then given a treatment plan. A detailed description of what each treatment plan consists of and the required medications and their effects are explained, the patient is then allowed to choose how they wish to proceed. According to this principle, the doctor does not have a final say, as he/she is not allowed to convince the patient one way or the other.

Principle of confidentiality (Gracyk, 2012)

The discussion between the medical personnel and the patient is meant to be kept solely between the both of parties unless stated otherwise. When a physician breaches this confidentiality by giving out specific information about patients to other non case related people, without consent, he or she can face serious consequences. In some cases, when given permission, some of this information may be shared with either family or other specialists.

Principle of beneficence (Shmerling, 2020)

“First, do no harm” (Shmerling, 2020). This quote is essentially the essence of this principle. When becoming a doctor, one pledges to do what is right and in the best interest of the patient without harming them. Patients come to consult doctors because they are experiencing pain, illness or discomfort. As a doctor, one must ensure no excess pain is caused as a result of their actions.

Approaching a problem

The following charts were created by Dr. Gordon M Stirrat to summarize the analysis and the actions behind making ethical judgments (Stirrat, 2003, 216-217).

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Sources

Caplan, A. L. (n.d.). What Is Medical Ethics, and Why Is It Important? Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/courses/section/898060

Gracyk, T. (2012, February 3). Four fundamental ethical principles (a very simple introduction). Minnesota State University Moorhead. http://web.mnstate.edu/gracyk/courses/phil%20115/Four_Basic_principles.htm#:~:text=The%20Principle%20of%20Respect%20for,the%20principle%20of%20human%20dignity

Shmerling, R. H. (2020, June 22). First, do no harm. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/first-do-no-harm-201510138421

Stirrat, G. M. (2003). How to approach ethical issues – a brief guide. Ethics: The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, 5, 214-217.