Medical Ethics - Lecture 2
Medical Ethics - Lecture 2
Medical Ethics - Lecture 2
DR AHMED A. OMER
2. PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL ETHICS
There are four basic principles of medical ethics. Each addresses a value
that arises in interactions between providers and patients. The
principles address the issue of fairness, honesty, and respect for fellow
human beings.
Autonomy:
People have the right to control what happens to their bodies.
Beneficence:
Simply, this means taking actions that serve the best
interests of patients.
All healthcare providers must strive to improve their
patient’s health, to do the most good for the patient in
every situation.
But what is good for one patient may not be good for
another, so each situation should be considered
individually.
And other values that might conflict with beneficence
may need to be considered.
PRINCIPLES OF MED. ETHICS CONT……..
Non-maleficence:
“First, do no harm” is the bedrock of medical ethics.
Other Principles:
Dignity: the patient have the right to be treated with dignity
Features of Professions
Specialized knowledge
Self Regulation