Health Ethics Principles and Case Studies for Medical Decision-Making

Principles of health equity

Ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health by addressing barriers and systemic inequalities.

Beneficence

Acting in the best interest of the patient; promoting good and contributing to their welfare.

Non-maleficence

"Do no harm"; avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm or injury to the patient.

Respect for patient autonomy

Honoring the patient's right to make their own informed decisions about their care.

Justice

Distributing health resources, benefits, and risks fairly among all patients and populations.

Henrietta Lacks case significance

Highlights ethical issues in informed consent, patient autonomy, and justice in medical research.

Defining a moral/ethical conflict

Identifying situations where principles, values, or duties are in opposition, creating a dilemma in decision-making.

Developing a plan to address ethical conflict

Steps include: identifying the conflict, reviewing ethical principles, considering stakeholder perspectives, applying ethical reasoning, and proposing an equitable solution.