CHAPTER 48 - ETHICS GOD WHY

Why Ethics Matter in Sonography

• Patients trust that sonographers will do what’s right.

• Ethical practice ensures patients get safe, respectful, and high-quality care.

• Sonographers should think about, talk about, and follow ethics regularly.

• What guides professional behavior??

• SDMS Code of Ethics

: What’s right or wrong; shaped by culture, religion, personal beliefs.

Morality

: A system for analyzing those beliefs and creating fair rules in professional settings.

Ethics

uses logic and fairness — not personal or religious beliefs — to guide care.

Medical ethics

History of Medical Ethics (Very Short)

• Ancient: Hippocrates said _____________ ????

• 1700s: Percival emphasized team care and patient needs over money.

• Post-WWII: Nuremberg Code and later the Helsinki Declaration set rules for respecting patients in research.

• Today: Codes include autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and integrity.

“First, do no harm.”

• Don’t cause harm to mother or fetus.

• Be skilled and trained; keep learning.

• Use safe techniques (e.g., ALARA — use the lowest ultrasound energy possible).

• Don’t do ultrasounds just for fun (like "keepsake videos").

• Avoid errors by staying updated and using proper equipment.

Nonmaleficence ("Do No Harm")

• Go beyond avoiding harm — help the patient.

• Take extra images if it benefits the patient.

• Be kind and respectful; small acts matter.

• Think of both the mother and fetus as patients (unless pregnancy will be terminated).

• Respect maternal choices, but aim for the best outcome.

Beneficence ("Do Good")

• Patients have the right to make their own decisions.

• Always explain procedures clearly.

• Let patients choose to see the screen or learn the baby’s gender.

• Let them insert the vaginal probe themselves, if they want.

• Don’t judge or interfere if a woman chooses abortion — respect her decision.

• You may opt out (with respect) if you're not comfortable doing abortion-related scans.

Autonomy ("Respect Patient Choices")

• Be honest about what you can or cannot do.

• Don't give false hope or pretend not to see something abnormal.

• If something looks wrong: calmly say “a doctor needs to review the images.”

• Don't explain or diagnose — that’s the doctor's job.

• Always act in the patient’s best interest, even if you disagree with others on the team.

Veracity & Integrity ("Tell the Truth & Be Honest")

• Treat everyone equally — regardless of age, gender, weight, language, or disability.

• Give everyone the same quality of care and information.

• Use translators when needed.

• Make sure facilities and procedures are accessible to all.

• Don’t do unnecessary scans that waste resources.

Justice ("Be Fair to All Patients")

• Don’t share patient info with others without permission.

• This includes family or partners — even the baby's father.

• Follow HIPAA laws for privacy.

• For pregnant teens: ethics says they should have the same privacy as adults — but local laws may differ.

Confidentiality (Keep Patient Info Private)

• Patient trust relies on sonographers following ethical rules.

• Medical ethics helps protect patients and ensures high-quality care.

• Sonographers must apply six core ethical principles in practice:

  • Nonmaleficence (do no harm)

  • Beneficence (do good)

  • Autonomy (respect patient choices)

  • Respect for persons

  • Veracity and integrity (truth and honesty)

  • Justice (treat all fairly)

Final Notes for Sonographers

• Know your limits. Don’t scan what you’re not trained to do.

• Keep your skills current.

• Advocate when something’s wrong — but talk to the team, not the patient.

• Keep everything patient-centered: safe, respectful, and fair.

Core Medical Ethics in Sonography