Professional Ethics
Overview
Professional Ethics tests the principles that guide decisions when values conflict: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice, plus confidentiality, informed consent, scope of practice and duty of care.
Core principles
- Autonomy: respect a competent patient's informed choice, including refusal.
- Beneficence: act in the patient's best interest.
- Non-maleficence: do no harm.
- Justice: fair distribution of care and equal treatment.
- Confidentiality: share information only with the care team and on a need-to-know basis; exceptions include notifiable diseases, court orders and serious risk to others.
Informed consent and conduct
Consent must be voluntary, informed and given by a competent person; for a minor, the parent or guardian consents. Work only within your training; report negligence or unsafe practice; never abandon a patient; maintain professional boundaries; keep records confidential.
Worked example
A competent adult refuses a recommended operation after the risks and alternatives have been explained. Reasoning: the ethical response is to respect autonomy, confirm understanding, ensure the refusal is informed, document it clearly, and continue supportive care. Persuasion by deception or proceeding without consent is unethical.
Traps that cost marks
- Thinking confidentiality is absolute - notifiable diseases and legal orders are exceptions.
- Obtaining consent for a procedure from a relative when the patient is competent.
- Confusing beneficence with paternalism, where the patient's choice is overridden.