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Components of Ethics for Healthcare Professionals: Summary
According to the deontological approach, certain actions are inherently moral or immoral, regardless of their outcomes. Teleological theory, in contrast, is based on consequences or ends . Also referred to as consequentialist ethics, actions are evaluated based on their utilitarian value and seek the best outcome or least harmful consequences. For example, if two treatment techniques are equally effective according to current research, the healthcare professional should consider which technique will bring the most benefit and provide the best outcome for the client within their unique situation. Sometimes these two theories coincide. In those instances, the duty to act aligns with the best action. For example, in preventing a patient from falling, the duty to avoid harm (deontological) coincides with warning the patient about a slippery floor to prevent injury (teleological/consequential). However, these theories can sometimes produce opposing views. Consider a scenario where a patient requires painful stretching to prevent muscle contracture. The practitioner must weigh their duty to provide beneficial treatment against the consequence of causing pain, even if that pain serves a therapeutic purpose. The understanding of ethical behavior is derived from multiple sources.: • Social norms that guide action through example • Authority figures who provide direction • Religious orientations that offer moral guidelines • Traditional wisdom transmitted by experienced practitioners who “know best” • Contemporary culture that shapes current ethical thinking This theoretical foundation helps healthcare professionals navigate complex ethical decisions while considering both their duties and the consequences of their actions.
LEARNING TIP! Nondirective statements come in two forms: • Statements addressing permitted conduct, which often contain words such as may and not prohibited • Statements addressing recommended (but not required) behavior, which typically use words like should and should not
The course provides an illustrative example from the physical therapy code of ethics: "shall encourage colleagues with physical, psychological, or substance-related impairments that may adversely impact their professional responsibilities to seek assistance or counsel." This represents a directive statement due to its use of shall . Understanding these communication approaches helps healthcare professionals interpret the intent and requirements of their professional codes of ethics. When reviewing ethical guidelines, practitioners should pay particular attention to the specific language used, as it indicates whether an action is mandatory, recommended, or permitted. ETHICAL THEORIES AND SOURCES Ethical theories provide essential frameworks for understanding and evaluating moral dilemmas in healthcare. Two fundamental theories represent seminal knowledge in ethics literature: Deontological theory and teleological theory. Deontological theory is based on the concept of duties and rights . Under this framework, healthcare professionals have a duty to protect and fulfill their patients' rights, regardless of the consequences of those actions. For example, a patient's right to autonomy must be respected by the healthcare professional regardless of whether they agree with the patient's choices or whether the patient has cognitive deficits.
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