Ethical Theories in Healthcare

Engagement with students regarding familiarity with ethical theories.
Instructor encourages students to raise their hands if they have seen the ethical theories material before.
Acknowledgment that the theories are manageable but emphasizes the need for careful study and memorization.

The emphasis is placed on wisdom as a core aspect of understanding ethics.
Ethical theories guide moral behavior based on wisdom and philosophical study.
Example: A person perceives themselves as honest, leading to consistent honest decisions.
Moral identity can drive behavior; for instance, a conflict arises when one must choose between being honest and following a directive.

Focuses on personal virtues such as compassion, patience, and empathy.
Description of how virtue ethics applies in therapeutic situations, especially with challenging individuals.
The core belief in compassion drives healthcare professionals even in difficult circumstances.
Mention of three agencies given by a higher power to help distinguish right from wrong, emphasizing human capacity for moral reasoning.

Definition: Natural law connects ethical principles to a higher moral law, influencing human behavior towards preserving life.
Key Aspects of Natural Law:
- Focus on actions that are good or neutral, promoting justice and the well-being of others.
- Example: Universal healthcare is aligned with natural law as it ensures access to health services, promoting life.
- Ethical decisions should aim for positive outcomes, avoiding harm whenever possible.
- Discussion of abortion laws highlights the complexity of moral decisions in practice.

Definition: An ethical framework where actions are considered morally right if they adhere to established rules or duties, irrespective of outcomes.
Practical applications: Healthcare professionals must comply with directives from superiors, even if they conflict with personal beliefs.
Example from military ethics: Duty to follow orders reflects deontological ethics.

Definition: An ethical theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences, promoting actions that maximize happiness.
Historical Context: Often linked to early Marxism and communism, emphasizing outcomes over motives.
Critique of decision-making processes, such as healthcare prioritization during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Decision to postpone elective procedures to prioritize urgent care.
- Trade-offs in public health demonstrate practical implications of utilitarianism: sacrificing some aspects of healthcare for the greater good of society.

Recognition of ethical theories as frameworks for moral reasoning in healthcare settings.
Noted that a significant percentage of students resonate with the ethics of care.
Ethical principles form the foundation of practice in healthcare, encompassing:
- Autonomy: The right of patients to make informed choices about their care.
- Emphasis on clear communication and understanding for effective decision-making.
- Importance of respecting individual choices and ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options.

Challenges in healthcare related to justice and resource allocation.
Patient autonomy is emphasized as a fundamental principle in healthcare decision processes.
Example: Variation in patient comprehension affects decisions regarding treatments like chemotherapy.

Instructor challenges students to engage with these ethical frameworks in future discussions, including case studies.
Theories provide a structured method for evaluating ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
Importance of establishing a coherent understanding of these theories as they underpin systemic operations in healthcare.

The instructor will offer supportive material, including slides for study.
Students will be asked to apply these theories in classroom discussions and assignments to enhance their understanding.