Ethics & Professional Standards in Chronic Care Flashcards

Why are ethics important in chronic care?

Answer: To ensure respectful and fair care

Ethics in chronic care provide a framework for moral decision-making and professional conduct. They ensure that all patients receive respectful, equitable, and high-quality care, regardless of their condition or circumstances. Adhering to ethical principles protects patient rights, maintains professional integrity, and fosters trust in the healthcare system.

What is informed consent?

Answer: Understanding and voluntarily agreeing to treatment

Informed consent is a fundamental legal and ethical principle requiring that a patient fully understands and voluntarily agrees to proposed medical treatment or procedures. This means they must be informed of the nature of their condition, treatment options, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. It upholds patient autonomy, ensuring they have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare.

What is a core principle of professional conduct?

Answer: Integrity

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, consistently doing the right thing. In professional conduct, it means acting ethically, transparently, and with unwavering honesty in all interactions. This principle is fundamental for building trust, maintaining credibility, and ensuring that professionals uphold the highest standards of their practice.

Why is confidentiality crucial in patient care?

Answer: To protect patient privacy and legal rights

Confidentiality is the ethical and legal obligation to protect a patient's personal health information from unauthorized disclosure. It builds trust between patients and healthcare providers, encouraging open and honest communication about sensitive health matters. Breaching confidentiality can lead to legal penalties, erode patient confidence, and violate fundamental privacy rights.

What is a boundary violation?

Answer: Crossing professional limits with a patient

A boundary violation occurs when a professional crosses the established limits of the therapeutic relationship, potentially exploiting the patient or compromising the professional's objectivity. These limits are set to ensure the relationship remains professional, safe, and focused on the patient's needs. Examples include engaging in personal relationships, sharing excessive personal information, or accepting inappropriate gifts.

Which ethical principle emphasizes doing good for the patient?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence is one of the four core principles of biomedical ethics, emphasizing the moral obligation to act in the best interest of the patient. It means actively doing good, preventing harm, and promoting the well-being of others. In healthcare, this principle guides decisions aimed at providing effective treatments, improving health outcomes, and maximizing patient benefit.

What does cultural competence mean?

Answer: Providing care that respects diverse values

Cultural competence is the ability of healthcare providers to understand, appreciate, and effectively respond to the needs of patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves recognizing and respecting different beliefs, values, and practices related to health and illness. This approach ensures that care is delivered in a sensitive and appropriate manner, improving patient engagement and health outcomes.

How should conflicts of interest be handled?

Answer: Disclose and manage them appropriately

A conflict of interest arises when a professional's personal interests or relationships could improperly influence their professional judgment or actions. It is crucial to disclose any potential conflicts to relevant parties to maintain transparency and trust. Once disclosed, appropriate measures must be taken to manage or eliminate the conflict, ensuring decisions are made solely in the patient's best interest.

What is the role of professional accountability?

Answer: Taking responsibility for actions

Professional accountability means being answerable for one's actions, decisions, and performance within a professional role. It involves taking responsibility for successes and failures, learning from mistakes, and striving for continuous improvement. This principle is essential for maintaining high standards of practice, ensuring public trust, and upholding the integrity of the profession.