1. Ethics in Health Care

2. Ethics A set of principles relating to what is morally right or wrong
Provide a conduct or code of behavior

3. How does ethics differ from morals and values?
Values – what is important and worthwhile
Basis for moral code and ethical reflection
Based on family, religion, peers, culture, race, social background, etc.
“Life is sacred”

4. How does ethics differ from morals and values?
Morals are a system of right or wrong that guides a person's conduct
Tend to be simple and general
Are an expression of values reflected in action and practice
“One should not kill”

5. How does ethics differ from morals and values?
Ethics allow a health care provider to analyze information and make decisions based on what people believe is right and wrong

6. Ethical Codes
Ethical guidelines are often provided for different professions by an ethical code
Hippocrates wrote the first ethical code for physicians

7. 1. True or False: If something is wrong, it will also be illegal.
A. True
B. False  
2. True or False: Many professions in the health care field have established ethical standards.

8. Basic Principles of Medical Ethical Codes
1. Save lives and promote health above all else
2. Keep patient comfortable
3. Respect patient’s choice to die peacefully and with dignity
Treat all patients equally

9. Basic Principles of Medical Ethical Codes
Will keep up their skills and continuing education
Will maintain confidentiality
Will refrain from immoral, unethical, and illegal practices

10. Basic Principles of Medical Ethical Codes
Show loyalty to patients, co-workers, and employer
Be sincere, honest, and caring

11. Professional Standards Medical Errors
Be honest and report all errors and mistakes immediately to your supervisor

12. Professional Standards Tips
Don’t accept monetary tips
Patients are billed for your services

13. Euthanasia Means “good death” or “easy death”
Synonym – “mercy killing”

14. Two Types of Euthanaisa
Passive
Process of dying is allowed to proceed without intervention when treatment is considered futile
DNR order, removal of live supports

15. Two Types of Euthanaisa
Active
Assisting someone to commit suicide
The act or practice of painlessly putting to death persons suffering from incurable or distressing diseases

16. Were You Listening?
In dealing with ethical dilemmas in health care, an employee of hospitals and other medical facilities must:
A. Always do what he/she personally feels is the right action
B. Follow organizational and professional codes, policies and protocols
C. Rely on patients and families to determine what is the right action
D. Follow the wishes and desires of special interest groups and organization.

17. Finished