Clinical Ethics  Tags: medndent ethics policies guidelines journal_articles journals books searching undergrad  

Introduction

• About Ethics
• The Principles of Medical Ethics

Guidelines and Standards

Searching for Resources

• Books
• Electronic Books
• Journals and Journal Articles

Organisations

Other Resources

This video, No Easy Answers: the Berman Institute of Bioethics, will give you an understanding of ethical debates and the consequences of decision-making.

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Ethical issues involve a conflict of interest and are usually those areas that are seen as being either controversial or “untouchable”. Some examples of areas in which ethical issues may develop in a clinical setting are :

• the care of people suffering from mental or chronic illnesses
• abortions
• decisions involving life-sustaining treatments
• consent
• decisions that are made on behalf of a patient who is either unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves

The Hippocratic Oath was an early indication of the important relationship between the practices of ethics and medicine. In fact, ethical codes of conduct are now commonplace and considered essential tools for the health profession. Some such codes that are relevant to the Australian clinical setting are :

Australian Medical Association Code of Ethics - 2004. Editorially Revised 2006

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Policies on Ethics and Professionalism

Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) Code of Ethics

As a student, it is important that you consider the ethical implications behind decisions and practices. Throughout your career, you will be making decisions that can potentially challenge your own or your patient's moral or religious beliefs.

 Autonomy
The principle of autonomy recognizes the rights of individuals to self determination.

Beneficence
The term beneficence refers to actions that promote the wellbeing of others.

Non-maleficence
The idea that it should be the main or primary consideration that it is more important not to harm your patient, than to do them good.

(all definitions taken from Stedman's Medical Dictionary)

Further reading on these themes is available at the links:  

• Beauchamp TL, Childress J. Principles of biomedical ethics. 6th ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2009.
• Gillon R. Medical ethics: four principles plus attention to scope. BMJ. 1994; 309(6948):184-.
• Bioethic Tools : Principles of Bioethics