Ethical Questioning in the Elderly - Lecture Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the ethical, legal, and clinical concepts of elderly care based on Dr. Lilit Marsoubian's lecture notes.

Health Ethics (Ethique en santé)

A discipline of the philosophical field that studies the relationships between moral values and principles conditioning our actions; it consists of a continuous reflection on the principles of just action.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where no solution seems satisfactory but a choice must be made; it occurs when standard benchmarks provide no answer and principles or values conflict.

Morale (Morality)

The definition of good and evil, fundamental values, and cultural prescriptions that found life in common, such as respect for others and dignity.

Droit (Law)

The set of formal rules (legislative, regulatory, national, European) that are imposed on everyone and define the rights and responsibilities of each individual.

Déontologie (Deontology)

The set of rules for the exercise of a specific profession designed to organize practice according to standards for the benefit of users and the profession itself.

J. Tronto's Four Phases of Care

1. Caring about (listening and identifying needs). 2. Taking care of (taking responsibility). 3. Care-giving (giving care competently). 4. Care-receiving (verifying care was well received and met needs).

Respect for Autonomy

The capacity to govern oneself; in care, this involves letting the patient choose, telling the truth, protecting confidentiality, and obtaining consent.

Bienfaisance (Beneficence)

The moral obligation to act for the good of others, including protecting their rights, removing harm, and assisting those with disabilities.

Non malfaisance (Non-maleficence)

The obligation to not intentionally cause harm or prejudice to others.

Justice

The obligation to treat everyone the same way, ensuring equity of access to care and sharing rare or expensive resources without discrimination.

Vulnerable Person

An individual unable to correctly exercise their rights due to pathology, age, handicap, or economic conditions, making them particularly exposed to risks of physical or mental alteration.

Loi Kouchner (March 4, 2002)

Law regarding patient rights that established the patient as a full actor in their health and introduced the role of the 'personne de confiance'.

Loi Leonetti (April 22, 2005)

Law that defined the application framework for advance directives and reinforced the function of the 'personne de confiance'.

Loi Claeys-Leonetti (February 2, 2016)

Law that made advance directives binding for doctors and reaffirmed the patient's right to stop all treatment.

Consentement libre et éclairé (Free and informed consent)

Agreement given without constraint (free) following the delivery of clear, complete, and understandable information (informed).

Directives anticipées (Advance Directives)

Instructions written by a person regarding their end-of-life wishes that are binding on doctors for decisions of investigation or treatment, except in vital emergencies.

Mandat de protection future

A flexible legal mandate that allows a person to designate one or more representatives to organize their protection and care in case of a future loss of autonomy.

Acharnement thérapeutique (Therapeutic Obstinacy)

The pursuit of active treatments that appear useless or whose benefits are disproportionate to the risks, pain, or moral suffering they generate.

La contention (Restraint)

A care act that should not be used for the convenience of staff or family; it requires daily re-evaluation and collective reflection on the balance of autonomy and safety.

Sédation (Sedation)

The use of medications to decrease alertness or consciousness to eliminate the perception of an unbearable situation when other means have failed.

Personne de confiance (Trusted Person)

A person designated by the patient to provide testimony regarding their wishes if the patient is no longer in a state to express their will.