Informed Consent
Definition Informed consent (IC) is a medicolegal term describing the conversation between patient and physician wherein the physician provides all relevant and necessary information for a patient to make an informed and free decision regarding their care. Characteristics of informed consent Background Landmark cases in the United States In the United States, 4 judicial decisions […]
Reproductive Ethical Issues
Introduction Principles of medical ethics Although others do exist, there are 4 major principles primarily referenced in medical ethics: Medical ethical dilemmas versus personal ethical dilemmas In general, medical ethical dilemmas are situations in which opposing arguments can be made using the 4 main principles of medical ethics. Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses will often refuse blood […]
Research Ethics
Overview Pillars of ethical research: Important Documents in Medical Research Ethics The Nuremberg Code The Declaration of Geneva The Belmont Report The Declaration of Helsinki Common Issues in Medical and Research Ethics Informed consent is the free and prior expression of agreement made by a capable individual to carry out a medical procedure or disclose […]
Clinician–Patient Relationship
Overview Definitions Characteristics of a clinician–patient relationship Beginning and ending relationships Physician Responsibilities and Rights The duties of a physician in the clinician–patient relationship go hand in hand with the code of ethics. Clinician’s responsibility Clinicians’ rights Patient Rights and Responsibilities Patient rights are a subset of human rights. They include minimum standards for the […]
Medical Ethics: Basic Principles
Overview Definition Medical ethics are a set of moral values that guide the decision-making of health care professionals in their daily practice. Historical background Antiquity: 20th century: Basic Principles (Duties) and Application Medical ethics are based on deontology, a theory that states that actions are classified as good or bad based on a clear set […]
Delivery of Bad News
Overview Bad news is broadly defined as any information that may alter a patient’s view of their future. Bad news is typically life-changing information that should be communicated to the patient and family with empathy and honesty. Effects on patient and families Difficulties for physicians Most common types of bad news Setting and timing General […]
Disclosure of Information
Overview Definition Disclosure of information is the process through which physicians explain clinical information to their patient (or surrogate decision-maker) in a way that the patient/surrogate can understand. Disclosure of information and informed consent Disclosure of information is a prerequisite for informed consent. Factors in favor of disclosure of information How to Adequately Disclose Information […]
Advance Directives
Overview Definition The term advance directive (AD) refers to treatment preferences and/or the designation of a surrogate decision-maker in the event that a person becomes unable to make medical decisions on their own behalf. The Patient Self-Determination Act The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991 states that health care facilities must inform patients of their rights […]
Conflict of Interest
Overview Definition Conflict of interest within the medical context describes situations in which a doctor’s ability to act in the best interest of the patient is influenced by an outside relationship with a person, group, or business. Underlying ethical principles How conflicts of interest arise A conflict of interest most commonly arises in medicine when […]
Malpractice
Overview Definition Malpractice is a civil wrong describing a physician’s dereliction of duty directly leading to damage to a patient under the physician’s care. Types of malpractice Components of a case for malpractice (“the 4 Ds”) Statistics Consequences of malpractice Professional liability insurance Advice to Avoid Malpractice Lawsuits Above all else, a physician must practice […]