Allied Heath Unit 4

Autonomy

The right to consent/decide free from coercion.

Challenges of Autonomy

Concerns regarding whether the individual is mentally sound or a public health danger.

Informed Consent

A process where a provider fully explains a procedure before the patient can give consent.

Four Conditions of Informed Consent

1. Patient is fully informed about the nature of the procedure in terms they understand; 2. Potential risks and benefits are stated; 3. All possible other treatments have been explained; 4. Patient knows they can refuse/withdraw consent at any time.

Patient Self Determination Act

Legislation establishing that every patient has a right to accept or refuse treatment.

Value

Individual beliefs that motivate people to act one way or another.

Modes of Value Transmission

Common methods by which values are passed on: 1. Modeling, 2. Laissez-faire, 3. Rewarding + punishing, and 4. Responsible choice.

Ethics

A method of inquiry that helps individuals understand the morality of human behavior.

Morals

Personal or communal standards of right versus wrong.

Healthcare Ethics

Principles that guide moral decision making, particularly when personal values collide with healthcare values.

Beneficence

The ethical duty to act for the benefit and welfare of the patient.

Challenges of Beneficence

Situations where acting for the patient's benefit can clash with patient autonomy.

Non-maleficence

The ethical duty to prevent unnecessary suffering, injury, or loss.

Double Effect

A challenge to non-maleficence where a good action results in both a good and a bad effect.

Justice

Treating every patient fairly and equally without bias.

Challenges of Justice

Care distribution and fairness being dependent on outside factors like costs.

Veracity

The principle of telling the truth and being transparent.

Challenges of Veracity

Difficulties such as personal discomfort, fear of lawsuits, etc.

Fidelity

Being faithful, loyal, and keeping promises.

Challenges of Fidelity

Obstacles such as compassion fatigue and conflicting loyalties.

Accountability

Accepting ownership for one's actions and decisions.

Challenges of Accountability

Barriers arising from moral distress and power imbalance.