Ethical Principles
There are 4 main ethical principles which stem from the ethical theories of consequentialism and deontology. They are listed below:
Reference will be made to sections of the OCP Code of Ethics. To access the full Code of Ethics click below:
There are 4 main ethical principles which stem from the ethical theories of consequentialism and deontology. They are listed below:
- Autonomy
- Justice
- Beneficence
- Non-maleficence
Reference will be made to sections of the OCP Code of Ethics. To access the full Code of Ethics click below:
Autonomy
The principle of autonomy stems from the theory of deontology (1). Autonomy is concerned with individuality and a person's unique wishes and values. Respecting a person's right to be involved in their own health care is embedded in the principle of autonomy.
To ensure that autonomy is being considered in an ethical dilemma, ask yourself the following question: "What are the patient's wishes and values?" (1)
In the OCP Code of Ethics, elements of autonomy can be found. They are outline in the principles below:
Principle 1: Patients have the right to self-determination and are encouraged to participate in decisions about their health.
Principle 4: Each member respects the autonomy, individuality and dignity of each patient...
The principle of autonomy stems from the theory of deontology (1). Autonomy is concerned with individuality and a person's unique wishes and values. Respecting a person's right to be involved in their own health care is embedded in the principle of autonomy.
To ensure that autonomy is being considered in an ethical dilemma, ask yourself the following question: "What are the patient's wishes and values?" (1)
In the OCP Code of Ethics, elements of autonomy can be found. They are outline in the principles below:
Principle 1: Patients have the right to self-determination and are encouraged to participate in decisions about their health.
Principle 4: Each member respects the autonomy, individuality and dignity of each patient...
Justice
Justice is often considered to be synonymous with fairness (2). There are 3 forms of justice considered in medial ethics:
To ensure that you are considering the principle of justice when faced with an ethical dilemma, ask yourself the following question: "Is the patient being treated fairly, and are his/her needs able to be satisfied?" (1).
Similar to autonomy, the principle of justice is embedded in the OCP Code of Ethics as outlined below:
Principle Four:
Each member...provides care with respect for human rights and without discrimination.
No patient shall be deprived of access to pharmaceutical services because of the personal convictions or religious beliefs of a member. Where such circumstances occur, the member refers the patient to a pharmacist who can meet the patient’s needs.
Justice is often considered to be synonymous with fairness (2). There are 3 forms of justice considered in medial ethics:
- Distributive justice - distribution of scarce resources in a fair manner (2)
- Rights based justice - respect for a person's rights (2)
- Legal justice - respect for laws that are morally acceptable (2)
To ensure that you are considering the principle of justice when faced with an ethical dilemma, ask yourself the following question: "Is the patient being treated fairly, and are his/her needs able to be satisfied?" (1).
Similar to autonomy, the principle of justice is embedded in the OCP Code of Ethics as outlined below:
Principle Four:
Each member...provides care with respect for human rights and without discrimination.
No patient shall be deprived of access to pharmaceutical services because of the personal convictions or religious beliefs of a member. Where such circumstances occur, the member refers the patient to a pharmacist who can meet the patient’s needs.
Beneficence and Non-Maleficence
These two principles are related to one another, and often considered together. Beneficence stresses the importance of acting in the patient's best interest (1). Maximizing benefit for the patient is essential to the principle of beneficence. Once again, this principle is found in our very own OCP Code of Ethics:
Principle One: The patient's well-being is at the centre of the member’s professional and/or business practices.
Principle Two: Each member exercises professional judgment in the best interest of the patient...
The principle of non-maleficence is considered synonymous with the belief "above all, do no harm" (1). This is the oldest all four principles, and derives from the Hippocratic oath. This principle is nearly impossible to achieve in any given form of medical therapy, since all therapeutic and pharmacological options are associated with side effects. From an adverse drug reaction as seemingly trivial as diarrhea, to something more serious such as drug-induced ototoxicity, there are risks associated with almost every form of therapy.
So how do we rectify the conflict between the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence? We balance the benefits and harm. Ask yourselves the question: "What can be done for the patient and what are the benefits and harms?" (1).
These two principles are related to one another, and often considered together. Beneficence stresses the importance of acting in the patient's best interest (1). Maximizing benefit for the patient is essential to the principle of beneficence. Once again, this principle is found in our very own OCP Code of Ethics:
Principle One: The patient's well-being is at the centre of the member’s professional and/or business practices.
Principle Two: Each member exercises professional judgment in the best interest of the patient...
The principle of non-maleficence is considered synonymous with the belief "above all, do no harm" (1). This is the oldest all four principles, and derives from the Hippocratic oath. This principle is nearly impossible to achieve in any given form of medical therapy, since all therapeutic and pharmacological options are associated with side effects. From an adverse drug reaction as seemingly trivial as diarrhea, to something more serious such as drug-induced ototoxicity, there are risks associated with almost every form of therapy.
So how do we rectify the conflict between the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence? We balance the benefits and harm. Ask yourselves the question: "What can be done for the patient and what are the benefits and harms?" (1).
Pulling the Principles Together
Now that we've finished reading through the details of ethical principles, it's time to put them together with all other consideration and create a Framework for Making Ethical Decisions.
Click on the link to check it out:
Now that we've finished reading through the details of ethical principles, it's time to put them together with all other consideration and create a Framework for Making Ethical Decisions.
Click on the link to check it out:
References:
- Hebert BC. Doing Right. 2nd ed. Toronto: Oxford University Press Canada; 2009.
- Gillon R. Medical ethics: four principles plus attention to scope. BMJ 1994; 309:184-8.