Core Concepts
Autonomy
The patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare. Includes informed consent.
Beneficence
The obligation to act in the patient's best interest and promote their well-being.
Non-Maleficence
The principle of "first, do no harm" — avoiding harm to patients.
Justice
Fair distribution of healthcare resources and equal treatment of all patients.
Informed Consent
The process of ensuring patients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to treatment.
Confidentiality
The obligation to keep patient information private, with limited exceptions.
Worked Examples & Applications
Four Principles in Conflict: Patient with terminal cancer refuses chemotherapy. Autonomy (respect refusal) conflicts with Beneficence (treat to prolong life). Resolution: Respect autonomy if patient is competent and informed.
Trolley Problem in Medicine: One organ donor could save five patients. Utilitarianism says sacrifice one to save five. Deontological ethics says killing one is always wrong. Medical ethics prohibits killing one patient to save others.
Practice Questions
Q: What are the four principles of medical ethics? A: Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-Maleficence, and Justice.
Q: What is informed consent? A: A process ensuring patients understand the nature of a procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and voluntarily agree to it.