Medical Ethics
Introduction
Medical ethics is a system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine. As a scholarly discipline, medical ethics encompasses its practical application in clinical settings as well as work on its history, philosophy, theology, and sociology.
History of Medical Ethics
The history of medical ethics extends back to the times of Hippocrates and the Ancient Greeks, with many principles still being applied today. The Hippocratic Oath, still taken by doctors up to today, was an early example of medical ethics. This was further developed during the Middle Ages by Islamic physicians such as Ishaq ibn Ali al-Ruhawi who wrote the first medical ethics book, and Jewish thinkers such as Maimonides.
Principles of Medical Ethics
There are four fundamental principles of medical ethics, which are often known as the four principles of Beauchamp and Childress. These principles include respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Respect for Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the patient's right to refuse or choose their treatment. Autonomy is the only principle that is rooted in respect for the patient.
Beneficence
Beneficence refers to the idea that a practitioner should act in the best interest of the patient.
Non-Maleficence
Non-maleficence means "do no harm" and is based on the doctors' duty to not harm the patient, as part of their consideration of the patient's wellbeing.
Justice
Justice in health care is usually defined as a form of fairness, or as Aristotle put it, "giving each his due."
Issues in Medical Ethics
There are numerous ethical issues that can arise in the context of medical ethics. These include issues such as end-of-life care, the relationship between ethics and law, the role of the doctor, and the doctor-patient relationship, among others.
End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care involves making decisions that are in the best interest of patients who are facing the reality of death. This can include decisions about whether to pursue aggressive treatment, euthanasia, or physician-assisted suicide.
Ethics and Law
The relationship between ethics and law in medical practice is complex and at times, contentious. It can be helpful to view law as a minimum standard of behavior while ethics sets a maximum standard.
Role of the Doctor
The role of the doctor has been ever evolving. With advancements in medical technology, doctors are not only caregivers but are also decision-makers in the care process.
Doctor-Patient Relationship
The doctor-patient relationship is central to the practice of healthcare and is essential for the delivery of high-quality health care in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
