Assignment 1 - Terms Table (2)

THEORY THEORIST DEFINITION HEALTHCARE EXAMPLE Ethical Egoism Henry Sidgwick in 1874 This is based on the idea that one self’s interest is the basis of one’s ethics decision. It sets as its foal the benefit, pleasure, or greatest good of the self alone and is not binding on anyone else beyond self-interest. This term does not fit well int the healthcare context because healing requires putting the patient’s interests before those of the healer. Authority-Based Ethics Decisions about ethics are based on the central authority such as in a theology or an ideology. Theories of ethics that use faith or ideology as the focal point for making ethical decisions. Determines the right thing to do based on what an authority has said. Understanding a person’s faith can help the healthcare provider provide the health care that is more patient- focused. Virtue Ethics Aristotle This is part of authority-based ethics, and the theories of virtue ethics seek to determine the proper behavior for human beings. “How does an ethical person live his or her life?” A major component of a relationship between the patient and healthcare provider relies on trust. Without integrity, virtue, and practical wisdom from a patient’s perspective, the confidence from a caregiver standpoint will decrease. Natural Law St. Thomas Aquinas Natural Law Theory is a branch of ethics on the tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas. It uses the rationality of God and the idea of conscience to determine ethically appropriate actions. Assumes that nature is rational and orderly. Killing a human being is wrong and the provider who did will be punished. Deontology Immanuel Kant Sometimes called duty-based ethics. This uses the concept of duty and respect for persons to define appropriate ethical action. If your terminally ill patient asks if they will be okay after a surgery and they are not likely to survive, you should not lie to them. Consequentialism John Stuart Mill This is which the value of decisions is based on their consequences and not on the intent of the agent. This is part of theological ethics theories. What is morally right or wrong depends on the consequences the actions bring about. Choosing five patients who require less of a dosage to receive medication which then leads to the sixth patient to die. This produces the most moral good.

Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham This is a doctrine that means that actions are ethical when they produce the greatest happiness, or utility. The reverse is also true. Actions are good when they avoid producing the greatest harm. Synonym for consequentialism. Prioritizing patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment and/or are the youngest due to having most years left to live. PRINCIPLE DEFINITION HEALTHCARE EXAMPLE Autonomy You can rule yourself and it implies a respect for others. This is the ability to act independently and to make decisions about actions, treatment, and health practices. A patient accepting or refusing referrals to certain specialists and treatment plans. Beneficence An act of charity and kindness. It applies to both professionals and organizations. Aiding a patient who cannot perform independently. Nonmaleficence This is the refraining from causing harm or preventing intentional harm from occurring. This can also be translated as ‘first do no harm.’ When a healthcare professional denies the request of a diabetic patient asking for a coke. This will prevent harm from the patient. Distributive Justice This is the balancing of benefits and burdens and the appropriate sharing of those benefits and burdens. The balance of a physician deciding how much time to spend with each patient as some need more medical attention that others. Procedural Justice Called due process. Violations of due process occur with healthcare employees and the use of procedures for decision-making. Means that you get your turn and are treated like everyone else. Treating all the patients with the same attention care as everyone else. For example, receiving the best and clear medical care possible.