ethics

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Medical Ethics

Basic Information
End of Life
Legal Aspects
Religion
Resource Sites
Universities

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"Reason is not measured by size or height, but by principles." Epictetus (Greek philosopher) "A million times zero is still zero (translation... you can repeat a stupid idea as much as you like, it's still stupid)" doctorbob (Florida philosopher) "A useless life is an early death."(Goethe)

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There are several 'cardinal principles' of medical ethics that guide most medical interactions:
1. Autonomy: the patient decides. For this to work the patient needs to understand the medical situation and options and be willing or able to make a decision.
2.Non-maleficense: do no harm. Despite what lawyers will have you believe, it is quite common for medical treatments to have side effects or result in complications.
3. Beneficence: Try to benefit the patient. The problem here is a matter of judgment. Is prolonging the life of a suffering, dying patient, helping or hurting?
4. Veracity: be honest. The problem here is that sometimes no one knows the whole truth and sometimes the patient doesn't want to here it.
5. Justice: fair use of health care resources. How would this be accomplished in today's dysfunctional health care system?