Introduction to Bioethics and the APTA Code of Ethics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to bioethics and the APTA Code of Ethics, assisting students in understanding ethical principles and their applications in physical therapy.

Bioethics

A field that examines the ethical implications of biological research and applications.

APTA Code of Ethics

A set of guidelines established by the American Physical Therapy Association for ethical practice.

Beneficence

The principle of acting in the best interests of the patient.

Non-maleficence

The principle of doing no harm to patients.

Justice

The ethical principle concerning fairness and equality in the distribution of healthcare resources.

Autonomy

The right of patients to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare.

Fiduciary duty

A legal obligation of one party to act in the best interest of another.

Moral competency

The ability to understand and apply ethical and moral principles.

Ethical dilemma

A situation where a person faces conflicting ethical principles.

Virtue

A trait considered morally good, reflected in individuals' actions.

Clinical scenarios

Practical examples or cases encountered in healthcare settings.

Transparency

Openness in communication, ensuring all relevant information is shared.

Legitimacy

The quality of being acceptable and valid in legal or ethical contexts.

Effectiveness

The degree to which an intervention or treatment achieves its intended outcome.

Core Values

Fundamental beliefs that guide the behavior of professionals.

Veracity

The principle of truthfulness in communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Confidentiality

The obligation to protect a patient's private information.

Compassion

Sympathy and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

Fidelity

Loyalty, faithfulness, and commitment to a patient's well-being.

Ethics vs. Morals

Ethics are codes of conduct; morals are personal beliefs and values.

Ethical principles

Fundamental guidelines that inform ethical decision-making.

Moral failure

The inability to act according to ethical standards due to various reasons.

Moral distress

The mental anguish that occurs when one knows the right action but feels unable to take it.

Situational risk factors

Circumstances that may influence an ethical decision.

Personal well-being

An individual's overall happiness and health.

Emotional intelligence

The ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and those of others.

Active engagement

Involving patients in their own care decision-making.

Professionalism

The competence and skill expected of a professional.

Informed consent

A patient's agreement to a procedure or intervention based on understanding its risks and benefits.

The patient-therapist relationship

The interaction between a physical therapist and a patient based on trust and confidentiality.

Equity

Fairness in treatment and access to healthcare.

Comparative justice

Fair treatment of individuals on a one-to-one basis.

Distributive justice

Fair distribution of resources across society.

Therapeutic privilege

Withholding information from a patient believed to be in their best interest.

Sound professional judgment

Making decisions based on ethical principles and best practices.

Ethical temptation

A situation where one faces a morally right choice against a wrong one.

The 4 Square Analysis

A tool used to evaluate ethical issues from different perspectives.

RIPS Model

A framework for ethical decision-making in healthcare.

Patient's Bill of Rights

A statement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients.

Code of Conduct

Formal guidelines that govern professional behavior.

Organizational behaviors

The actions and attitudes of individuals within an organization.

Ethical decision-making

The process of making choices that are aligned with ethical principles.

Stakeholder

An individual or group that has an interest in the decisions made in healthcare.

Social responsibility

The obligation of professionals to act in the best interests of society.

Lifelong learning

The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.

Ethical risk factors

Elements that may increase the likelihood of ethical issues arising.