Amoral
lacking or indifferent to moral standards.
Applied ethics
a practical application of moral standards that are meant to benefit the patient.
Bioethicist
person who specializes in the field of bioethics
Bioethics
(branch of applied ethics) a field resulting from modern medical advances and research. (cloning)
Comparable worth
Pay equity, theory that extends equal pay requirements to all persons who are doing equal work
Compassion
ability to have a gentle, caring, attitude toward patients and fellow employees.
Cost/Benefit analysis
if the benefit or well being of a decision outweighs the cost of achieving a goal, than the means to obtain the goal would be justified.
Due process
the entitlement of employees to have certain procedures followed when they believe their rights are in jeopardy. (14th amendment)
Duty-based ethics
performing ones duty to various people and institutions, everyone would act the same way with the same set of circumstances.
Empathy
the ability to understand the feeling of others without actually experiencing their pain or distress.
Ethics
branch of philosophy related to morals, moral principles, and moral judgments. Puts the common good above self interest.
Fidelity
Loyalty and faithfulness to others. Implies that we will fulfill to our duty.
Indigent
impoverished, without funds
Integrity
adherence to ones principles. Dedicated to high standards.
Justice-based ethics
Based on a moral restraint called "the veil of ignorance". Meaning no one person is advantaged or disadvantaged.
Laws
rules or actions prescribed by an authority such as government that have a binding legal force.
Litigious
one party suing another: people have become excessively inclined to sue healthcare practitioners.
Medical ethics
Based on principles regulating the behavior of healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, allied professionals)
Medical etiquette
Standards of professional behavior, that physicians practice in their relationship and conduct with patients and other physicians.
Medical practice acts
In all 50 states by statue, apply specifically to the way medicine is practices in a particular state. These acts define the meaning of the practice of medicine as well as requirements and methods for licensure. They also define what constitutes unprofess
Morality
the quality of being virtuous or practicing the right conduct.
Precedent
A decision of a case acts as a model for any future cases in which the facts are the same.
Principle of autonomy
people have the right to make decisions about their own life. Informed consent - patients must be informed and understand what they are told before they can provide consent for the treatment
Principle of beneficence
action of helping others and performing actions that will result in benefit to another person
Principle of justice
warns us that equals mist be treated equally. The same treatment must be given to all patients.
Principle of nonmalfeasance
First, do no harm. Think before acting.
Quality assurance (QA)
is gathering and evaluating information about the services provided as well as the results achieved, and comparing this info with an accepted standard.
Rights-based ethics
natural rights theory, places the primary emphasis on a persons individual rights.
Sanctity of life
the sacredness of human life. All human beings must be protected.
Sexual harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. (civil rights act)
Sympathy
Felling sorry or pity for another.
Tolerance
A respect for those whose opinions, practices, races, religion, and nationality differ from our own.
Utilitarianism
an ethical theory based on the principle of what is the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Concerned with the impact of actions or final outcomes on the welfare of society as a whole. Determined solely of its consequence.
Virtue-based ethics
a character trait based on a concern for the person, good habits, fairness, honesty, integrity, trust, respect, empathy, generosity, truthfulness, admitting mistakes. "seeking the good life
Health profesional virtues
perseverance, integrity, compassion, trust
Beneficence
action of helping others, to do no harm
Gentleness
a mild, tenderhearted approach to others (most welcome virtue)
Humility
acquiring an unpretentious and humble manner, opposite of vanity, entirely honest with self
Justice
Fairness in all actions
Perseverance
persisting with a task or idea against an obstacle
Responsibility
accountability for ones actions
Work
an effort applied toward some goal
Respect
consider and honor another's beliefs and opinions
Honesty
truthfulness
Fairness
treating everyone the same
Loyalty
sense of faithfulness or commitment to others
Privacy
confidentiality, to safeguard another persons confidence or information (legal and ethical)