The moral code adopted by health professionals in assigning primary value to their patients’ needs and interests. The values most commonly applied to medical ethics discussions are autonomy (the patient’s right to refuse or choose treatment), beneficence (the best interest of the patient), non-maleficence (“First, do no harm”), justice (concerns about the distribution of scarce health resources and the decision of who gets what treatment), the right to dignity, and truthfulness and honesty (the concept of informed consent).
The moral and professional principles which govern how doctors and nurses should work, and, in particular, what type of relationship they should have with their patients.
The moral principles in the fields of medical treatment and research; a subset of the field of bioethics. Issues in medical ethics encompass a number of professional fields, including medicine, law, sociology, philosophy, and theology. Ethical issues affect physicians and patients as well as society.
Of or relating to medicine, i.e. the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
A system of principles governing medical conduct. It deals with the relationship of a physician to the patient, the patient’s family, fellow physicians, and society at large.
The ethical standards and principles that guide medical decisions, especially how medical professionals interact with patients, their families, and peers. Ethics also influence medical research. For instance, when testing new drugs or treatments on patients, the studies must be structured to ensure the safety of those participating.