BIOETHICS MODULES 1,2,3

Ethics

Branch of philosophy that deals with determining right or wrong actions and guides human conduct.

Health Ethics

Ethics related to health, healthcare, medicine, and biological science, guiding professional decision-making.

Bioethics

Systematic study of moral issues in healthcare and life sciences, balancing values like life, death, rights, and responsibilities.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where conflicting ethical principles apply, with no clear solution.

Morality

Social consensus about right conduct based on customs, norms, or religious beliefs.

Morals

Personal or cultural values learned over time that influence behavior and ethical decisions.

Law

System of rules enforced by institutions, reflecting societal values rather than intentions.

Values

Beliefs about what is important or desirable, influencing behavior and decision-making.

Teleology

Ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences.

Deontology

Duty-based ethical theory that focuses on rules and moral duties rather than consequences.

Virtue Ethics

Ethics focusing on moral character and virtues like courage, wisdom, and compassion.

Utilitarianism

Ethical view that actions are right if they benefit the majority.

Rule Utilitarianism

Ethical framework focused on following rules that generally produce the greatest good.

Act Utilitarianism

Evaluates each individual action for its consequences rather than general rules.

Equal Consideration of Interests

Everyone’s happiness is equally important; one cannot pursue happiness at the expense of another.

Categorical Imperative

Moral obligation acting according to universal moral laws without exceptions.

Practical Imperative

Always treat others as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

Consequentialism

Focuses on outcomes to judge right and wrong, a basis of teleological ethics.

Divine Command Ethics

Morality is based on religious beliefs or divine laws (e.g., Ten Commandments).

Agape

Ethical love toward humanity guiding moral decision-making; introduced by Joseph Fletcher.

Ethics of Care

Emphasizes relationships and care, often associated with female ethical perspective.

Core Values of a Nurse

Professional standards like altruism, integrity, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.

Altruism

Selfless concern for others' well-being.

Autonomy (as a value)

Respecting patients’ rights to make their own decisions.

Human Dignity

Respect for the inherent worth and uniqueness of individuals.

Integrity

Acting in accordance with appropriate code of ethics and accepted standards.

Social Justice

Fair treatment regardless of economic status, race, ethnicity, age, citizenship, or disability.

Vices

Negative traits like dishonesty or cruelty, contrary to professional virtues.

Virtues of a Healthcare Provider

Traits like empathy, honesty, and patience essential for ethical care.

Ethical Thoughts

Approaches such as teleology, deontology, and virtue ethics used to resolve moral issues.

Autonomy

Right of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions without coercion.

Informed Consent

Voluntary agreement by a competent individual based on adequate information.

Veracity

Obligation to tell the truth in all healthcare interactions.

Fidelity

Keeping promises and commitments; maintaining trust in professional relationships.

Confidentiality

Protecting private patient information from unauthorized disclosure.

Beneficence

Doing good and promoting the well-being of others.

Nonmaleficence

Avoiding harm or minimizing possible harm in patient care.

Justice

Fairness in the distribution of resources, care, and respect for rights.

Principle of Double Effect

Actions with both good and bad effects may be permissible if the good outweighs the bad.

Stewardship

Responsible management of resources and care in service of patients.

Principle of Totality

Interventions must respect the integrity and total well-being of the person.

Legitimate Cooperation

Guides participation in ethically questionable actions without moral compromise.

Common Good

Healthcare decisions should contribute to societal well-being.

Subsidiarity

Matters should be handled by the smallest competent authority.

Ordinary Means

Usual, standard care expected for sustaining life and health.

Extraordinary Means

Excessive, burdensome, or futile measures not morally obligatory.

Voluntariness

Consent given freely without pressure or manipulation.

Capacity

Mental ability to understand information and make decisions.

Competence

Legal qualification to make decisions and give consent.

Disclosure

Sharing of adequate and understandable information to obtain consent.

Paternalism

Overriding a patient’s decision for their perceived best interest.

Therapeutic Privilege

Withholding information if disclosure would cause serious harm.

Express Consent

Clearly stated agreement through written or oral communication.

Implied Consent

Consent inferred from actions, behavior, or context.

Proxy Consent

Consent given by a legal guardian or authorized representative.

Right to Refuse Treatment

A patient’s right to decline medical procedures even if life-saving.

Right to Know Risks

Patients must be informed about potential outcomes and alternatives.

Patient Bill of Rights

List of entitlements including privacy, respect, and autonomy.

Emergency Exception to Consent

In emergencies, consent is presumed if the patient is incapacitated.

Legal Guardianship

Authorization for another to make healthcare decisions when patient is unable.

ICN Code of Ethics

Guidelines by the International Council of Nurses promoting ethical nursing practice.

Preamble

Introduces the goals of nursing: promote health, prevent illness, restore health, alleviate suffering.

Nursing Care

Care that respects human rights and is unrestricted by social factors.

Nurses and People

Primary responsibility is to patients, promoting respect and equity.

Nurses and Practice

Nurses are accountable for their actions and must maintain competency.

Nurses and Profession

Nurses are responsible for advancing the profession through education and research.

Nurses and Co-workers

Encourages respectful collaboration and correction of unethical behavior.

Filipino Code of Ethics

Local ethical standards for nurses based on RA 9173 and cultural context.

Five-fold Responsibility

Nurses must promote health, prevent illness, restore health, alleviate suffering, and provide a spiritual environment.

Autonomy (Ethical Principle)

Respect for the individual’s right to make personal decisions.

Confidentiality (Ethical Principle)

Upholding privacy of patient information.

Human Life is Inviolable

Core value recognizing the sanctity of life.

Advocacy

Actively protecting patients' rights and welfare.

Ethical Accountability

Being responsible for one's professional conduct.

Safe Nursing Practice

Providing care that protects patient and nurse alike.

Legal Responsibility

Nurses must act according to legal and professional standards.

Professional Growth

Pursuing continued education and improvement in nursing.

Collegiality

Working in solidarity with other professionals for patient welfare.

Ethical Collaboration

Upholding mutual respect among the health team.

Respect for Human Rights

Foundation of nursing care that honors dignity and equality.

Environment and Society

Nurses must work to improve community health and uphold environmental ethics.

Image of Nursing

Nurses should behave in a way that enhances the profession's reputation.

Cultural Sensitivity

Respecting patients' cultural and spiritual beliefs in care.

Patient Advocacy

The ethical responsibility of nurses to support and protect the rights, interests, and well-being of their patients, especially when patients are unable to speak for themselves

Grievance Mechanism

Legal process for reporting violations of patient rights.

Spiritual Commitment

Providing care that supports patients' religious needs and beliefs.

Administrative Penalties

Sanctions for violating the code of ethics.

Legal Safeguards

Systems that protect nurses and patients under the law.

Equity and Social Justice

Nurses must advocate for fair access to healthcare.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

A mandatory process by which nurses maintain and enhance their knowledge, skills, and competence through formal and informal learning activities to ensure safe, ethical, and effective nursing practice.