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Components of Ethics for Healthcare Professionals: Summary
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. 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. 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 benefi t. 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 op- timize health outcomes . Beneficence manifests through: ○ Evidence-based interventions ○ Appropriate referrals ○ Health promotion activities ○ Professional competence maintenance ○ Patient advocacy 2. Nonmaleficence The "Do no harm" principle derived from the Hippo- cratic oath establishes a stricter standard than benefi- cence. 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
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