Medical ethics explores the moral principles guiding healthcare decisions and practices. It addresses complex dilemmas faced by doctors, researchers, and...
Medical ethics is a branch of applied ethics examining moral principles and values relevant to medical practice and research, guiding decisions for patient care, privacy, and treatment.
The four main principles are autonomy (patient's right to decide), beneficence (doing good), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (fairness and equitable resource distribution).
Informed consent ensures patients understand their treatment options, risks, and benefits, affirming their autonomy and right to make voluntary, knowledgeable decisions about their own healthcare.
It guides discussions on patient wishes, advance directives, palliative care, and balancing prolonging life with ensuring comfort and dignity, respecting patient autonomy in difficult circumstances.