Medical ethics and medical ethics standards

Concept of Medical Ethics

Medical ethics are the standards and rules of social life that regulate the behavior and relationships of physicians towards patients as well as colleagues. It determines the duties, conscience, honor and happiness of physicians.

Medical ethics or “medical ethics” is a part of the social ethics system, it not only plays an important role in determining the results of medical services, but also contributes to creating the social superstructure. For medical students, being good at medical skills is not enough, they also have to be bright in medical ethics. However, bright in medical ethics is not innate in every medical staff, but must go through the process of training and self-cultivation like “the more a gem is polished, the brighter it becomes”.

The main principle of medical ethics is humanism, which is expressed in everyday practice in the dignity of medical personnel and the performance of their duties towards humanity, which is an essential condition for successful treatment of patients.

Basic principles of medical ethics

Medical ethics has four basic principles that a person working in the medical field must adhere to. These are respect for autonomy, compassion in the medical profession, non-harmful and non-malicious actions, and fairness.

Respect for autonomy

Autonomy is the right to make decisions based on information, knowledge, and the capacity to take responsibility. Health care professionals should limit their involvement in patient decisions and should not interfere too deeply with patient choices. Physicians should take a neutral position when providing professional information about any investigation or treatment.

Charity

Compassion is not simply doing things according to one’s duty or kindness. Compassion is a doctor who not only works with honor and pride for himself but also for a better society, for the happiness of everyone. Medical staff must always sympathize with the suffering of patients, consider patients as their relatives, ensure the rights of patients, and always be ready to help patients in all situations…

Do no harm, do no evil

Health workers are always actively updating their knowledge and skills to ensure the quality of the services they provide. They must clearly understand the benefits and risks of complications before providing any examination or treatment. They must not do anything that is harmful to life, health, personal values, dignity, etc.

Fair

Everyone in society has the right to health care, whether rich or poor. Everyone is entitled to health care services when necessary and according to their needs. Health workers can give priority to children, the elderly and those in need of emergency care, the disabled, pregnant women. Equity in health care also stipulates that health workers must not discriminate against any patient…

The four basic principles of medical ethics govern all ethical regulations in medical practice and research. Doctors, physicians, pharmacists, and nurses need to constantly update their knowledge, improve their practical skills, and cultivate their ethics to fulfill their mission of providing health care to everyone.