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Health Care Ethics BSN2 Notes
Health Care Ethics BSN2 Notes
It refers to the practices or values that distinguish one person, organization, or society from others.
More of a Theory
MORALITY
It pertains to the application of ethical knowledge in the performance of human act or human
conduct.
a system of principles and values concerning people's behavior, which is generally accepted by a
society or by a particular group of people.
Relationship between Ethics and Morality is that they both deal with the Human Act or Human
Conduct.
Provide ways in practicing of what you have learned (good or bad, right or wrong)
More of a Practice
BIOETHICS
A science that deals with the study of the morality of human conduct concerning human life in all its
aspects from the moment of its conception to its natural end.
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HEALTH ETHICS
A science that deals with the study of the morality of human conduct concerning health and health
care.
HEALTH CARE
the prevention, treatment and management of illness and the preservation of the well-being
through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions.
A formulation of ethical norms for the conduct of health care professional in the treatment of
patients.
hippocratic oath
It indicates a physician's or nurse’s duty to keep a patient away from harm and injustice.
It emphasizes the significance of medical confidentiality between doctors, nurses and patients.
ethical theories
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These includes the following:
1. Deontology
2. Teleology
3. Utilitarianism
4. Virtue
1. deontology
Rational Will
The capacity to act according to the principles that we determine for ourselves.
If the act is not good morally, it can still also lead to something good.
Example: While you were sleeping, an intruder came in. To defend yourself, you shot the intruder
that aims to harm you as well.
Shooting someone is bad, but you need to protect yourself and your family from being
harmed.
Example: Patient's diagnostic result is bad. You need to tell the patient the truth about his case since
it is your duty.
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The right thing to do is the good thing to do.
2. teleology
Actions are "Right or Wrong" according to the balance of their Good or Bad consequences.
A reason or explanation for something as a function of its end, purpose, or goal, as opposed
to as a function of its cause.
Consequence-based View
Example: We give medications to our patients so that they will get better soon.
3. utilitarianism
Advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and opposes actions that cause unhappiness or
harm.
Their ethical doctrines states that the Rightness and Wrongness of actions is determined by
the goodness and badness of their consequences.
When you decide, you will choose the decision that can benefit the majority.
4. virtue ethics
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Greek word for virtue is arete which means “excellence” focused on the quality of everything you do
and experience.
Virtue
Concerned with the character of individual nurses and seeks ways to enable nurses to develop
character traits appropriate for actions that enhance well-being.
It focuses on the heart of the person of doing the act including motivation, disposition, and traits.
Vices
"Wicked Behavior"
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