Importance Of Medical Ethics Research Articles

Providing a model of a hidden curriculum in medical majors with an emphasis on medical ethics

Background: The "hidden" curriculum, alongside official education, can transfer ethical and professional values and principles to medical students and show them the importance of medical ethics. Ethical issues are essential factors influenced by the hidden curriculum in the medical educational system; these issues are also instruments for medical students as they develop their professionalism and idealism. The current study aims to provide an empirical study model of this hidden curriculum and its role in transferring knowledge of medical ethics. Methods: The current research is qualitative in the phenomenological type. The statistical population consisted of professors along with students in their fourth and upper years of various medical disciplines at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during 2019-2020. The sample group, according to the qualitative nature of the research, was compiled to a theoretical saturation to be 36 professors and students. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Analysis was done using thematic coding and Smith`s method. To maintain quality and accuracy, interview content was analyzed by two authors to reconstruct the reality. The data and their interpretation were then provided to the professors to confirm their accuracy. To ensure stability of the data, the interviews were conducted in a suitable atmosphere and in compliance with the interview conditions and isolated from bias and personal opinion. Results:A total of 67 concepts were extracted that were consequently categorized into five main themes: 1. Objectives and Curriculum; 2. Physical Space; 3. Backgrounds and Perspectives; 4. Laws and regulations; and, 5. Relationships. A model for studying students’ experiences of the hidden curriculum and medical ethics was presented. Conclusion: Since medical professors and senior students are dealing with patient health, it is essential to acknowledge the concept of medical ethics as a "hidden" curriculum alongside scientific and professional issues in designing medical curriculum.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Medical Ethics among Medical Students

Background: A sense of discontent with services of medical practitioners and growing reliance on alternativemedicine with increased public awareness, negative publicity leads to increased lawsuits against medicalprofessionals. Medical ethics training provides a basis for balancing one’s obligation to patient and practice,as well as responsibility to those seeking medical care. Aims and Objectives: To assess medical students’knowledge and attitude towards medical ethics. Material and Method: A cross-sectional questionnairebased study among 246 medical undergraduates was conducted. Data was analyzed for percentage, meanand ‘t’ test. Results: Majority knew importance of medical ethics in medical profession and existenceof institutional ethics committee. 84.9% agreed that written informed consent should be mandatory.Response was statistically significant regarding confidentiality (p=0.001883), utmost respect for humanlife (p=0.00542) and respect for dignity and privacy of patient (p=0.001408). 80.4% disagreed that ethicalconduct is important only to avoid legal action. 82.5% agreed strongly to integrate medical ethics in medicalcurriculum. Conclusion: Though students had adequate knowledge about medical ethics, reinforcement atall levels of medical education is necessary.

The Importance of Medical Ethics in India in Today’s Situation

The Importance of Medical Ethics in India in Today’s Situation

Conhecimento sobre ética médica e resolução de conflitos na graduação

Resumo Estudo quantitativo transversal descritivo que tem o objetivo de avaliar a percepção do graduando em medicina sobre a importância do ensino da ética médica e mensurar seu conhecimento sobre a temática em universidade pública do Nordeste brasileiro. Por meio de questionário aplicado a 230 estudantes foi possível avaliar deficiências provocadas pela ausência do ensino formal da ética médica e discutir a necessidade de abordagens diversificadas do tema durante a graduação. Resultados mostram maior taxa de acertos entre graduandos que cursaram ao menos uma disciplina sobre ética médica, mas índice insatisfatório em ambos os grupos. Um terço dos discentes que não tiveram contato com a temática revelaram não se sentir prejudicados por essa lacuna e 25,6% da amostra sequer valorizou a importância do tema em relação a outras disciplinas da graduação. Assim, torna-se necessário rever as estratégias do ensino médico para garantir melhores profissionais no futuro.

Medical ethics and the trolley problem

The so-called Trolley Problem was first discussed by Philippa Foot in 1967 as a way to test moral intuitions regarding the doctrine of double effect, Kantian principles and utilitarianism. Ever since, a great number of philosophers and psychologists have come up with alternative scenarios to further test intuitions and the relevance of conventional moral doctrines. Given that physicians routinely face moral decisions regarding life and death, the Trolley Problem should be considered of great importance in medical ethics. In this article, five "classic" trolley scenarios are discussed: the driver diverting the trolley, a bystander pulling a lever to divert the trolley, a fat man being thrown from a bridge to stop the trolley, a bystander pulling a lever to divert a trolley so that a fat man may be run over, and a bystander pulling a lever so that a fat man falls off from a bridge to stop the trolley. As these scenarios are discussed, relevant moral differences amongst them are addressed, and some of the applications in medical ethics are discussed. The article concludes that Trolley scenarios are not the ultimate criterion to make ethical decisions in difficult ethical challenges in medicine cases but they do serve as an initial intuitive guide.

Contemporary Medical Students' Perceptions of the Hippocratic Oath.

The Hippocratic Oath is a standard of medical ethics. Oath adaptations are common. Objective: Evaluate students' perceptions regarding the oath. Design: Survey of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical School graduating students regarding the oath's relevance, content, and application, and whether a choice of version should be provided. Forty-two of the fifty-three students (79 percent) considered the original oath relevant. Most (53 percent) disagreed that the oath in its original form be used, and most preferred a modified oath. More agreed (40 percent) than disagreed (28 percent) on providing a choice of version of the oath. The mean of correct answers as to the original oath's contents was 68 percent. Euthanasia and abortion prohibitions were recognized by 68 percent and 62 percent, respectively. Increased knowledge of the original's contents correlated with decreased desire that it be used (p = .02). Recognition of euthanasia/abortion prohibitions was significantly better for those in disagreement than in agreement that the original be used. Those who disagreed that a choice of oath versions be provided had significantly better knowledge of the original's euthanasia/abortion prohibitions than those who agreed. However, those who felt strongly that a choice should or should not be given each had a 100 percent accuracy of identifying euthanasia/abortion prohibitions. Most students preferred an adapted oath to the original. Increased student knowledge of the original oath's contents, including reference to euthanasia/abortion, significantly correlated with decreased desire to use it. Given the original's importance in medical ethics, this is concerning. A subset of students, however, affirmed the original's value and desired its use. Improved education in the Hippocratic oath is important, given modern medicine's complex moral issues. The Hippocratic oath is a standard of medical ethics. Oath adaptations eliminating the original's prohibitions of abortion/euthanasia are common. Most medical students who were questioned preferred the adapted oath to the original. Only two-thirds recognized the original's prohibitions of abortion/euthanasia. Those who knew of the original oath's prohibitions also had a decreased desire that it be used. Students disagreeing that a choice of versions of the oath be provided had better knowledge of these prohibitions. This is concerning, given the original oath's importance in medical ethics including at the 1945-1949 Nuremberg trials. Nonetheless, a subset of students affirmed the original Hippocratic oath's importance, desiring its use.

Compassionate Release Policy Reform: Physicians as Advocates for Human Dignity.

A rapidly aging correctional population has led to an increasing number of patients with serious progressive and terminal illnesses in correctional settings. "Compassionate release" describes a range of policies offering early release or parole to incarcerated patients with serious or debilitating illnesses. However, in many states that have compassionate release policies, few patients are actually granted release. We describe how the continued incarceration of patients with serious or debilitating illness can constitute a violation of human dignity if appropriate palliative care is unavailable. We argue that, given the importance in medical ethics of upholding dignity, physicians should advocate for the appropriate application and use of compassionate release. We describe several opportunities for physicians to take leadership on this issue.

Medical misconduct in Hong Kong: implications for medical education around the world

Medical educators emphasise responses to medical misconduct, but little is known about medical misconduct and its implications for medical education. This article investigates the nature of medical malpractice in Hong Kong and offers guidance for the inclusion of a curriculum to prevent the occurrence of medical misconduct in medical education around the world. A comprehensive review of judgements made by the Medical Council of Hong Kong during the period from July 2008 to December 2010 was conducted. Each of the 40 cases of inquiry related to medical misconduct were summarised and analysed according to 14 factors. Of the 40 cases, nearly half involved only one or two charges. The Council found the defendants guilty of professional misconduct on 148 of 169 charges, and ordered the following four types of penalty: removal order, suspension, warning letter, and reprimand. Cases are grouped into three categories involving: improper documentation, inappropriate management or prescription of drugs, and failure to interact appropriately with patients. The relevant ethical codes or legislation for each category are illustrated. Various types of medical misconduct unquestionably caused suffering to the patients involved, their families and society. Hence, it is crucial for medical educators to teach students about the importance of medical ethics and the prevention of misconduct.

Nurses’ perceptions of ethical issues related to patients’ rights law

August 2006 marked the 10th anniversary of landmark legislation when Israel's parliament passed the unique Patient's Rights Law. This law underscores the importance of medical ethics in Israeli society. During a seminar at the Shaare Zedek School of Nursing, third-year students performed a qualitative research study investigating ethical issues arising in the field of nursing, and how nursing staff dealt with these issues in relation to the law. The research was conducted using semistructured questionnaires. The results showed that the staff participants knew the law, but did not differentiate between legal and ethical problems. The establishment of a framework for dealing with these issues would help to promote professional ethics, encourage broad-based agreements related to ethical decisions, reduce ethical conflict, and increase implementation of the law on patients' rights.

A plan for improving the curriculum of medical ethics of Medical School in Jeju National University

For the moment. the curriculum of medical ethics and medical jurisprudence of medical college in Jeju National University is having been somewhat appropriately constituted and have a right future direction through several times of mediation that have happened for a relatively short time. However, as of April 2009, the total lecture hours which is allocated for the subject of 'Patient-Doctor-Society Ⅲ (medical ethics and medical jurisprudence in byname) are 15 hours. That would fall short of the need which is necessary for obtaining the educational objectives of the subject. Judging from the subject matter, the subject of medical jurisprudence is Quite differentfrom that of medical law which deals with individual medical law and regulation in force So, therefore the subject matters of medical contract. medical accident, malpractice, and medical litigation are to include in the subject of medical jurisprudence. In order to get to the educational obectives of the subject, medical ethics and medical jurisprudence. the followings would be necessary. First, understanding and recognizing the importance of medical ethics and medical jurisprudence in medical education by the faculty of medical college or medical school, Second, earnest effort to cultivale men of ability for professional education in various dimensions of national government, locaf government, and University Through the interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary coffaboration. Third, open-mindedness and communicative understanding among the men of ability for professional educalion to participate in the field of educaling medical ethics and medical jurisprudence The first step of praclical and concrete alternative proposal for obtaining Ihe educational objectives of the subject, medical ethics and medical jurisprudence, is to eslablish a department which would have the whole respensibilty for operating the subject. for example. Department of Medical Ethics and Medical Jurisprudence and administer the interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary courses of research and academic degree.

The contribution of Kantian moral theory to contemporary medical ethics: a critical analysis.

Kantian deontology is one of three classic moral theories, among virtue ethics and consequentialism. Issues in medical ethics are frequently addressed within a Kantian paradigm, at least --although not exclusively--in European medical ethics. At the same time, critical voices have pointed to deficits of Kantian moral philosophy which must be examined and discussed. It is argued that taking concrete situations and complex relationships into account is of paramount importance in medical ethics. Encounters between medical or nursing staff and patients are rarely symmetrical relationships between autonomous and rational agents. Kantian ethics, the criticism reads, builds on the lofty ideal of such a relationship. In addition to the charge of an individualist and rationalist focus on autonomy, Kantian ethics has been accused of excluding those not actually in possession of these properties or of its rigorism. It is said to be focussed on laws and imperatives to an extent that it cannot appreciate the complex nuances of real conflicts. As a more detailed analysis will show, these charges are inadequate in at least some regards. This will be demonstrated by drawing on the Kantian notion of autonomy, the role of maxims and judgment and the conception of duties, as well as the role of emotions. Nevertheless the objections brought forward against Kantian moral theory can help determine, with greater precision, its strengths and shortcomings as an approach to current problems in medical ethics.

Consent for HIV counselling and testing

The severity of the HIV pandemic in an increasing number of developing countries in particular in sub-Saharan Africa calls for strong and resolute responses. Early diagnosis and HIV counseling are key within a context of respect for the patient’s autonomy which is of great importance in medical ethics. Patient autonomy is protected when counseling and testing are voluntary (VCT). VCT has evolved in such a way that the provision of counseling and testing services is an essential entry point for intervention in terms of prevention support and medical care. However findings from studies done in many sub-Saharan countries suggest that important acceptability barriers exist and concerns about confidentiality are consistently found in qualitative and quantitative studies. Moreover because of the low priority of VCT in the past access has been limited and there are few developing countries in which more than 10% of the adult population have been tested. To this effect the universal availability and accessibility of HIV counseling and testing is being given high priority in the most severely affected countries.

Organ transplantation, in-vitro fertilization, and euthanasia in Japan

Recently, progress in the life science has been In February 1999, a middle-aged woman donated remarkable and various new techniques have been her heart, liver, kidneys and eyes. She became brain developed in the medical field. However, some of dead due to subarachnoid hemorrhage, and the them, such as gene therapy on human embryos, donation was performed because she had kept her cannot be applied, because society thinks it too early. donor card and her family had allowed it according Actually, the medical profession is now puzzled as to to the Organ Transplant Act (1997). It was the what to do with a number of newly devised techsecond heart transplantation in Japan. Thirty-one niques. Thus, the importance of medical ethics or years have passed since the first heart transplantation bioethics has been widely recognized. For example, was done in 1968. Why was such a long time needed 5% of the huge budget for the human genome project for the second trial in Japan? just launched has been earmarked for the Ethical, The first transplantation (Wada’s transplantation) Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) in the USA. was performed in 1968, the year following the However, there are practically no departments world’s earliest case by Dr. Bernard in South Africa. dealing mainly with medical ethics in Japanese Prof. Wada in Sapporo Medical University was a medical schools. Therefore, the department of legal hero at that time, but was later accused of murder by medicine has now been playing an important role some people. The public prosecutor decided not to for the education of medical ethics. In fact, the press charges against Prof. Wada for want of material professor of legal medicine usually joins in the evidence. However, the prosecutor declared that university ethics committee. I myself had been death must be diagnosed as the irreversible cessation chairman of the Ethics Committee of Nagoya Uniof heart and lung functions, and that Prof. Wada versity School of Medicine for eight years until might have committed murder from this point of this March. Our ethics committee handled the isview, although they could not prove it. During the sues of organ transplantation, in-vitro fertilization, investigation, newspapers reported that Prof. Wada refusal of transfusion by Jehovah’s Witnesses, gene might have destroyed evidence. People thought diagnosis and so on. doctors were not always reliable. From then on, there Here, I would like to present how Japanese society has been a long dispute over whether brain-dead has been handling the issues of organ transplantation, patients are to be considered dead or alive. in-vitro fertilization and euthanasia. In my opinion, that question is not critical for

The healer's power

In this provocative new book a philosopher-physician explores issues of medical ethics involved in a physician's use of power. Drawing from literary works dealing with medical power-from Dostoevsky's The Grand Inquisitor to stories by Richard Selzer-Dr. Howard Brody argues that proposals to reduce or eliminate the power of the physician are misguided; instead, guidelines should be developed for the use of medical power so that the physician shares with the patient both information and the responsibility for deciding on appropriate treatment. Some years ago, Brody, a physician with both clinical and academic obligations, began wondering why the concept of power so seldom entered into discussions of medical ethics...This solidly written and documented book is Brody's closely reasoned, thought-provoking analysis of that concept...An excellent text for-besides all levels of medical education-law discussion groups and individuals interested in the modern role of medicine.-Booklist A book with an intellectual energy, literate style, and sturdy originality ...We could not wish for a wiser guide than this book.-Michael Loudon, Lancet I find Brody's book fascinating. Surely, the concept of power is of critical importance in medical ethics. It is time that someone provide the serious, systematic examination of it that Brody offers. Brody is one of a very small group of physicians doing serious work in medical ethics. It is delightful to receive his newest contribution. His extensive use of literary material makes the chapters both novel and enjoyable reading.-Robert M. Veatch

On sickness and on health.

The meaning of health, its relation to illness and disease, and its aspects that are of particular importance in medical ethics are the foci of Gillon's essay, one of a series on philosophical medical ethics. He argues that the World Health Organization's definition of health--"a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity"--is too broad for use by physicians in patient care. Defining illness and disease--those components of ill health with which doctors are concerned--might help delineate the physician's role in restoring or preserving health. Gillon summarizes the realist and nominalist approaches to disease and to the question whether it is an evaluative or a value free concept. He suggests that the definition and ascription of illness are of such social importance that decisions concerning them should be made cooperatively by doctors and society.