Ethical Considerations in Healthcare
Expert-defined terms from the Undergraduate Certificate in Cultural Sensitivity in Health and Social Care course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Ethical Considerations in Healthcare #
Ethical Considerations in Healthcare
Ethical considerations in healthcare refer to the moral principles and values th… #
These considerations are essential in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care while respecting their autonomy, dignity, and rights.
Advance Directives #
Advance Directives
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to specify their p… #
These documents typically include instructions regarding life-sustaining treatments, organ donation, and other healthcare decisions.
Autonomy #
Autonomy
Autonomy is the principle that individuals have the right to make decisions abou… #
Healthcare professionals must respect their patients' autonomy by providing them with all relevant information and involving them in the decision-making process.
Beneficence #
Beneficence
Beneficence is the principle that healthcare professionals should act in the bes… #
This includes providing treatment that will benefit the patient and avoiding harm or acting in a way that may harm the patient.
Confidentiality #
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the duty of healthcare professionals to keep patient informat… #
Protecting patient confidentiality is essential for building trust and ensuring patient privacy.
Cultural Competence #
Cultural Competence
Cultural competence is the ability of healthcare professionals to provide care t… #
This includes understanding how culture influences health beliefs and behaviors and adapting care accordingly.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) #
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical directive that instructs healthcar… #
This decision is typically made by a patient who does not wish to be resuscitated.
End #
of-Life Care
End #
of-life care refers to the medical and emotional support provided to patients who are nearing the end of their lives. This type of care focuses on managing symptoms, providing comfort, and ensuring that patients' wishes are respected.
Futility #
Futility
Futility refers to medical treatments that are unlikely to provide any benefit t… #
Healthcare professionals must consider the futility of certain treatments when making decisions about patient care and respect patients' wishes regarding the continuation of futile treatments.
Informed Consent #
Informed Consent
Informed consent is the process by which healthcare professionals ensure that pa… #
Patients must be provided with enough information to make an informed decision about their care.
Justice #
Justice
Justice is the principle that healthcare resources should be distributed fairly… #
Healthcare professionals must consider issues of justice when making decisions about resource allocation, access to care, and treatment options.
Non #
Maleficence
Non #
maleficence is the principle that healthcare professionals should do no harm to their patients. This includes avoiding actions that may cause harm or increase the risk of harm to patients, even if those actions are well-intentioned.
Patient Rights #
Patient Rights
Patient rights are the fundamental rights that every patient is entitled to when… #
These rights include the right to privacy, the right to informed consent, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to access their medical records.
Proxy Decision #
Maker
A proxy decision #
maker is an individual appointed by a patient to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. This person is typically a family member or close friend who is familiar with the patient's wishes.
Quality of Life #
Quality of Life
Quality of life refers to the overall well #
being and satisfaction that a patient experiences in their daily life. Healthcare professionals must consider the patient's quality of life when making decisions about treatment options and end-of-life care.
Surrogate Decision #
Maker
A surrogate decision #
maker is an individual appointed to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a patient who is unable to make decisions for themselves and has not appointed a proxy decision-maker. This person is typically a family member or legal guardian.
Truth #
Telling
Truth #
telling is the ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to provide patients with accurate and honest information about their diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Being truthful with patients is essential for building trust and empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.
Vulnerability #
Vulnerability
Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of patients to harm, exploitation, or… #
Healthcare professionals must be aware of patients' vulnerabilities and take steps to protect them from harm and ensure their safety.
Withdrawal of Treatment #
Withdrawal of Treatment
The withdrawal of treatment is the decision to stop providing a particular treat… #
This decision may be made if the treatment is no longer effective, is causing harm, or if the patient no longer wishes to continue the treatment.