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Components of Ethics for Healthcare Professionals: Summary
2. Nonmaleficence The "Do no harm" principle derived from the Hippocratic oath establishes a stricter standard than beneficence. This includes: • Avoiding potential risks: Nonmaleficence includes an obligation not to impose risks of harm even if the potential risk is without malicious or harmful intent. This involves minimizing risks and avoiding actions that could cause harm, while also considering the potential benefits and risks of medical interventions • Maintaining proper credentials • Following safety protocols • Preventing negligence: The principle of nonmaleficence is closely tied to the concept of negligence in healthcare practice. Negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to use due care to protect a client from harm. Malpractice suits are most often based on acts of negligence. This negligence may be either intentional (when a person knowingly fails to use due care) or unintentional (when a person carelessly or inadvertently imposes harm). • Protecting and being mindful of vulnerable populations LEARNING TIP! Note: Scenarios that involve difficult
While ethics and laws are related, they serve distinct purposes in healthcare practice. LEARNING TIP! Laws are defined by government
and contain formal rules for resolving complex problems, while codes of ethics are defined by professional groups and organizations.
Laws state the minimum standard of behavior that must be met, while ethical codes present ideal or best behaviors. Additionally, laws are upheld by rules, regulatory authorities, and courts, whereas codes of ethics are upheld through professional standards, discussion, and persuasion. This distinction is important because healthcare professionals must navigate both legal requirements and ethical standards in their practice. Sometimes these align perfectly, but in other situations, what is legally permissible may not necessarily be the most ethical choice, or what seems ethically right may face legal constraints. Understanding this relationship helps practitioners make better decisions when faced with complex situations. CORE ETHICAL PRINCIPLES 1. Beneficence The principle of beneficence establishes healthcare professionals' fundamental obligation to act for patient benefit. This requires genuine concern for well-being and proactive efforts to promote positive outcomes. This involves providing competent and compassionate care, advocating for patients’ needs, and striving to optimize health outcomes . Beneficence manifests through: ○ Evidence-based interventions ○ Appropriate referrals ○ Health promotion activities ○ Professional competence maintenance ○ Patient advocacy
end-of-life care decisions such as withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treating, medically administered nutrition and hydration and in pain and other symptom control often involve complex decision making around beneficence and nonmaleficence.
3. Autonomy Patient autonomy emphasizes the right to make informed healthcare decisions, including: ○ Informed consent processes: The patient has the right to informed consent, which is a necessary part of the process that leads to the patient agreeing to accept services
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