Ethics and Values Terms

Basic Principles

Morals

judgment about behavior, based on specific beliefs,

Ethics

The study of ideals of right and wrong behavior

Values

A deeply held personal belief about the worth of a person, usually an idea, custom, or object. reflects cultural influences

Bioethics

A branch of ethics within the field of health care

Autonomy

Freedom from external control. Pts can make their own decision about their health care

Beneficence

Taking positive actions to help others

Nonmaleficence

The avoidance of harm or hurt.

Justice

Fairness and the distribution of resources

Fidelity

Faithfulness/ agreement of promises

Advocacy

Application of one’s skills for the benefit of another person

Responsibility

Willingness to respect one’s professional obligations and follow through with them

Accountability

Answering for your own actions

Confidentiality

Obligation to respect patient privacy

Ethical Dilemma

Ethical problem

Moral Distress

Taking a specific action while believing that the action is wrong

Ethic Committee

A group of people from different backgrounds who support health care agencies with 3 functions.

3 Functions of Ethics Committee

Providing clinical ethics consultation, revise policies pertaining to clinical ethics, facilitating education about topical issues in clinical settings