ETHICS
ETHICS
The term ethics refers to the moral principles or values
that guide us when deciding what is right and wrong,
good and bad.
 Whether you know it or not ethics play a role in our
every day decision making. Your own personal ethics
will guide you.
 A code of ethics is a set of professional standards
that describes the values and personal qualities that
should guide our work.
 Every professional college has a code of ethics
VALUES
WHAT IS A VALUE?
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A value is defined as “a belief or attitude about the
importance of a goal, an object, a principle or a
behaviour”. Our values are reflected in the choices we
make and in our actions and behaviours. In the health
care professional - patient relationship, each person has
the right to have his/her own personal value system
and beliefs respected.
What are your personal values?
What are your professional values?
VALUES
As an example, there are 8 primary values that are
central to health practice according to the CNO:
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Safe, competent and ethical care
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Health and well being
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Choice
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Dignity
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Confidentiality
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Justice
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Accountability
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Quality practice environments
HEALTH CARE ETHICS
THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH CARE ETHICS
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Health care ethics is the philosophical study of what is
morally right and wrong when providing health care
services.
There are 6 basic principles when considering health
care ethics.
Ethical principles may provide help for ethical decision
making and often play a role in decisions that are taken
in health care
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
1.
2.
3.
Autonomy: respecting the person’s right to make
choices for him/herself. The right of the person to
choose what is best for them. Free choice as long as a
person is mentally competent. Right to decide what
type of tx they want.
Nonmaleficence: refers to our obligation to not
knowingly inflicting harm. Can be physical or
emotional. Doing no harm
Beneficence: doing good or promoting good and
avoiding harm. Always place the client’s need ahead of
everything else. Focus on the client. Keep health care
worker/client relationships purely professional.
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
4.
5.
6.
Justice: being treated fair and equal. Each client,
regardless of attitude or condition deserves the best
care possible. It is always expected that you perform
your job honestly.
Veracity: Our obligation to tell the truth and not to lie
to or deceive others.
Fidelity: Our obligation to remain faithful to our
commitments. Relates to idea of loyalty, keeping
promises, truth telling and being faithful to those who
have entrusted us with their care.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS
DEALING WITH ETHICAL DILEMMAS
A code of ethics is only a guideline, it does not provide all the
answers for every situation. When faced with a situation
where an ethical decision must be made, always consider
the principles of health care ethics and all possible options.
Ask yourself:
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Does the option respect the client’s wishes?
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Does the option treat the client justly and fairly?
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Does the option provide the client with a short or long term
benefit?
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Could the option cause harm or increase the risk of harm?
MEDIA AND ETHICS
MOVIES
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Million Dollar
Baby
Gattaca
Philadelphia
Malice
My Sister’s
Keeper
John Q
TV SHOWS
•House
•ER
•Law & Order
•Grey’s Anatomy
ETHICAL DILEMMAS
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Abortion
Euthanasia (active & passive)
Organ transplantation
Blood transfusions
Vegan diets
Needle exchange programs
Medical marijuana
Food/meds in the workplace
Stem cell research/cloning
IVF