Short Answer Paper

Ethics in Healthcare 1) Define Medical Ethics and Ethical Dilemma? Ans.  Medical Ethics: o Medical ethics is crucial in establishing a framework (Principles and values) for responsible and compassionate patient care, as well as for addressing complex moral issues that may arise in medical practice. o These principles are designed to ensure the well-being and rights of patients, promote fairness and justice, and uphold the integrity and professionalism of healthcare practitioners.  Ethical Dilemma: o An ethical dilemma is a situation in which a person or a group of individuals face conflicting moral principles, making it challenging to determine the right course of action. o In an ethical dilemma, there is no clear, straightforward choice that aligns perfectly with all ethical principles, and any decision made may have both positive and negative ethical consequences. o For example, an ethical dilemma in healthcare could involve a terminally ill patient who expresses a desire to end their life to avoid further suffering. The medical team may grapple with respecting the patient's autonomy and reducing their pain while also adhering to the principles of nonmaleficence and upholding the sanctity of life. o In such cases, healthcare professionals often need to engage in careful ethical deliberation, seeking guidance from medical ethics committees or ethicists, and considering legal and cultural aspects before deciding. 2) Describe the difference between Law and medical Ethics? Ans. Aspect Law Medical Ethics Definition A system of rules and regulations established and enforced by a governing authority to maintain order and resolve disputes within a society or community. A set of moral principles and values that guide healthcare professionals in making decisions and conducting themselves in the field of medicine. Origin Derived from legislation, statutes, and legal precedents set by governments and judicial systems. Arises from a combination of moral, cultural, and professional values within the medical community.

Scope Applicable to all members of society, including healthcare professionals. Specifically tailored to guide healthcare professionals in their interactions with patients and colleagues. Enforcement Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties, fines, imprisonment, or other punitive measures. Non-compliance may lead to professional consequences, such as loss of medical license or damage to one's reputation within the medical community. Purpose To maintain social order, protect individual’s rights, and ensure justice and fairness in society. To ensure responsible and compassionate patient care, uphold professional integrity, and address complex moral issues in medical practice. Focus Primarily concerned with determining the legality or illegality of actions Primarily concerned with determining the morality and ethical appropriateness of actions. Decision- making tools Relies on statutes, court decisions, and legal precedent for interpretation. Relies on ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and veracity for guidance in decision- making. Conflict resolution Legal conflicts are often resolved through the court system. Ethical conflicts are addressed through careful deliberation, consultation, and often involve medical ethics committees or ethicists. Examples Criminal law, contract law, medical malpractice law. Informed consent, end-of-life decisions, patient confidentiality. 3) Evaluate ethical decisions made in a real life scenario from a Hospital? Ans. When I was working in hospital, India, I faced a situation where they were two critically ill patients in need of an organ transplant: Patient A, a 40-year-old single parent with two young children, and Patient B, a 65-year-old retired individual who has no immediate family. Unfortunately, there was only one available organ for transplantation, and both patients were eligible candidates. The hospital's transplant committee must decide about who will receive the organ. Evaluation of Ethical Decisions: