Ethics and Professionalism

Intro to Sonography

Ethics

A set of morals and a code of behavior that helps inform a person or group as to what is right and wrong.

Personal Values

Are things someone holds in high regard.

• These are desirable and worthy of respect.

• They include family, financial resources, friends, health and fitness, home and place, leadership, leisure pursuits, personal growth, public service, spirituality, and work satisfaction

Theologic Theory

seeks to find out the end result in decision-making.

• It is based on benefiting the largest amount of people.

Deontologic Theory

Is based on duty, or making decisions out of obligation, that rules must be followed at all times regardless of consequences.

Virtue Ethics

Focuses on the use of practical wisdom and moral character.

• It combines elements of teleologic and deontologic thinking.

• Rather than analyzing duty and end results, it takes into account how decisions affect everyone involved.

Ethical Decision Making

Means making choices based on moral principles and personal values.

Principle of Justice

Treat all patients equally, no matter what their economic, physical, or mental conditions.

Principle of Confidentiality

Refers to the concept of privacy. No personal patient information should be shared with anyone uninvolved with the patient’s care.

Principle of Fidelity

The duty to fulfill one’s commitments; applies to keeping promises. Never promise results you cannot deliver.

Principle of Paternalism

The approach that prompts healthcare workers to make decisions about the care of a patient without the patient’s direct input.

Principle of the sanctity of life

One cannot make life and death decisions for patients based on personal values.

Principle of Veracity—

Refers to the honesty in all aspects of one’s life.

Principle of Respect of Property

Refers to keeping the patients’ belongings safe and taking care to not damage it

Professional ethics

Is the publicly displayed ethical conduct of a profession or group

Ultrasound Screening for Vascular Disease

-Companies provide out-of-pocket ultrasound exams that are not ordered by physicians.

• The AIUM claims there is no value in such exams without clinical risk factors.

• Companies should be researched to determine they are accredited and employ competent, certified sonographers