Understanding the principles of ethics in health care: a systematic analysis of qualitative information

Abstract

Despite incorporating ethical teaching in medical curricula there is paucity in knowledge of ethics among our practitioners. To improve the ethical knowledge it is important to understand the ethical issues or challenges encountered in the present scenario. The issues encountered by the health professionals helps to understand how the ethical principles are in day to today practice. Empirical researches have shown that qualitative research brings research closer to decision making. Hence data obtained from peer-reviewed qualitative articles were used for assessing ethical principles in every day practice by health professional. The studies have shown that autonomy, beneficence, justices are some of the principles health professionals consider before taking the decisions in health care.

Case Report: Case report: Administration of anticoagulant therapy after neuro-anesthesia procedure for hemorrhagic stroke patients with COVID-19 complications and its ethical and medicolegal consideration

“…31,32 In cases as complex as this case study, an ethical dilemma arises, then the doctor can apply prima facie principles among the four basic ethical principles above in Figure 1 to make ethical decisions. 30,33,34 In applying the prima facie principle, a valid new context is needed for the patient or family at the time of medical treatment (medical decision making can change if there is a more appropriate context. For example, in this case not giving anticoagulants, is a more appropriate context as preventing harm is more important than providing benefits).…”

“…This principle will support several moral rules to protect patient rights such as to prevent harm and save patients from harm. 30,33,34 According to the previous discussion, patients who are confirmed positive for COVID-19 need to be given anticoagulants because of the high risk of blood coagulation. 10,11,12,22 With the provision of anticoagulants, it is expected that the disease burden of COVID-19 patients will be reduced so that the patient's body can resist infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.…”

“…22 Aspects of the principle of beneficence are expected to lead to an improvement in the patient's condition. 30,[32][33][34] The principle of non-maleficence is that any medical service should not harm the patient. 30,31 The principle of nonmaleficence stems from the doctor's obligation not to harm the patient.…”

“…30,31 The principle of nonmaleficence stems from the doctor's obligation not to harm the patient. 30,[32][33][34] In this case, the administration of anticoagulants to patients who have previously suffered intracranial bleeding are at risk for recurrent bleeding. 6 This principle focuses on not hurting or reducing the ability of the patient.…”

“…However, it is important to understand that solving ethical dilemmas is not always easy. 33,34 There are times when we have to make complicated decisions by choosing which of the two conditions is the most important. 30,32,33 For example, in this case where giving anticoagulants is dangerous for hemorrhagic stroke patients but if they are not given, there is a risk for patients with COVID-19, here the doctor must choose between them.…”