Analyzing Ethical Principles on Self Assessment Term Paper

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Ethical Principles on Self-Assessment

The Principle of Autonomy

The term 'autonomy' denotes 'self-rule' in Latin. We are honor-bound to have regard for other individuals' autonomy, which implies respecting their decisions in relation to their personal choices. In simple words, the principle suggests that a competent and informed adult patient is free to accept or reject any medication, therapy or surgical treatment, in accordance with his/her wishes. This principle is also known as the 'human dignity' principle. It imparts a negative responsibility to refrain from intervening in competent adults' decision-making process, as well as a positive one for empowering those we are charged to take care of. The corollary in this regard asserts that we must not break promises and must be honest in our interactions with others (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

Beneficence: Every healthcare worker needs to endeavor towards improving the health of patients, and doing the best for them in all situations. This entails balancing treatment benefits with corresponding expenses and risks. Healthcare workers ought to behave such that their patient benefits. However, they must bear in mind that what works well for a given patient might be detrimental to another; hence, every individual situation must be taken into consideration independently. Also, other values which may oppose beneficence have to be taken into account. Positive measures must be undertaken for preventing harm. Nevertheless, an espousal of this corollary value often places healthcare workers directly in contradiction with showing regard for others' autonomy (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

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Non-maleficence: Medical ethics' basis is doing no harm to patients. Under all circumstances, healthcare workers need to ensure they avoid causing any form of harm to patients. Further, they need to have knowledge of the double effect doctrine, where a medication administered or prescribed with good intent brings about patient harm albeit unintentionally. The doctrine aids in making difficult decisions regarding whether or not actions having double effects may be performed. When one cannot evade harm, one must ensure that the harm is minimized as much as possible. This, in itself, covers three principles:

Try not to increase risks of harming others.

It is morally incorrect to waste precious resources that may aid someone else.

All actions performed should have more good effects than ill effects (Four fundamental principles of ethics, 2012).

The Principle of justice

This principle requires healthcare workers to attempt to treat everyone fairly, while providing medication and allotting precious and scant medical resources. One must justify one's actions in all situations. We are honor-bound to offer others what they deserve, or are owed. Even in society, one is obligated to deal fairly, impartially and equally with everyone. Overall, it is morally correct that one….....

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