Key Ethical Principles in the Medical Profession
Medical ethics encompass the fundamental moral principles that physicians are expected to uphold. It is important to recognize that these principles are not static; what was considered ethical a few decades ago may no longer hold true today, and our current understanding of ethics is likely to evolve further. Among the critical principles and obligations established by the World Medical Association for the medical profession are the following:
Commitment to Providing Care
This principle emphasizes the obligation to offer care to those in need without refusal. It also involves respecting life, particularly in emergency situations, which is considered a humanitarian duty. Physicians are required to act in the best interests of their patients at all times.
Informed Consent
Patients must be informed about their medical condition and provide consent, which should be respected, prior to any medical intervention. Even in instances where a doctor believes immediate action is necessary for the patient’s benefit, they should avoid making decisions on behalf of the patient without their input.
Prioritizing Patient Welfare
When physicians are unable to diagnose a condition or their medical expertise falls short, they should refer the patient to a more qualified professional. It is prohibited for physicians to administer treatments where the potential negative consequences outweigh the therapeutic benefits, and conducting any medical experimentation that does not prioritize the patient’s welfare is also forbidden.
Maintaining Patient Confidentiality
Patient confidentiality is an ethical obligation that persists despite the patient’s passing, as outlined in the 1948 Geneva Declaration. This declaration was revised in 2006 to allow the sharing of confidential information only with patient consent or when there exists imminent and severe danger to the patient, as seen in cases of violence or abuse. Thus, it can be stated that maintaining medical confidentiality involves a dual obligation that physicians must navigate according to legal and ethical standards.
Foundational Pillars of Medical Ethics
There are four foundational pillars of medical ethics that provide a framework for determining the most appropriate actions a physician should take in specific cases, including:
- Beneficence
This involves performing medical procedures with the intention of doing good.
- Non-maleficence
This principle emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm to patients or any individual within the community.
- Autonomy
This entails granting patients the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their care.
- Justice
This pillar prompts consideration of legal compliance as well as the rights of patients and underscores the necessity of ensuring that no individual is denied access to healthcare services.
Islamic Medical Ethics
It is essential to acknowledge certain ethical standards in medicine as per Islamic teachings, which include:
- God-consciousness
This emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that contravene religious laws, such as being alone with a patient of the opposite sex or examining a patient’s private parts unless necessary for diagnosis and treatment, with the patient’s consent and in the presence of a third party.
- Conducting only necessary examinations
Physicians should perform only those medical tests that are warranted by the patient’s condition, avoiding unnecessary procedures, and they should prescribe the appropriate medication without excess.
- Equality
This principle advocates for equitable access to medical care without discrimination. All patients should be treated equally, regardless of their status, religious affiliation, nationality, or race.