medical speak in english

Bioethics is the study of medical issues that come up in clinical practice for both physicians, physician assistants and all medical providers. There are 4 principles of bioethics.  While the 4 principles of bioethics are not absolute, they serve as guides in clinical practice.  But when we apply the principles, and 2 or more apply in the same case, the principles may conflict.  For example, acute appendicitis.  The goal is to provide the greatest benefit to the patient, immediate surgery.  But surgery and general anesthesia carry a risk and we as clinicians are under an obligation to not harm the patient.  The patient may be in greater danger by not doing surgery than from the anesthesia itself, because if the appendix burst it could be life threatening.  We have a duty to both benefit the patient and not due harm at the same time.  But in reality, we must balance the demands of these principles by determining which carries more weight in the case.

First, the principle of respect for autonomy gives the patient the power to control what is done to their body.  This principle gives priority to personal values and supports decisions that informed and uncoerced. The patient is acting freely and voluntarily having a complete understanding of all of the treatment options.  This is the principle basis for informed consent.  Patients exercise autonomy by making informed decisions that reflect their goals, personal values, and preferences.  Clinicians demonstrate their respect for autonomy by providing information that allows patients to make informed decisions, and when a decision is made honoring patient wishes even if they conflict with what the provider thinks is best.  In other words, the patients have the right to make their own choices and develop their own life plan.

Second, the principle of non-maleficence states we do no harm either intentionally or unintentionally.  All treatments carry a risk and all treatments carry a benefit and the two have to be weighed against one another.  The benefits of a treatment are expected to outweigh the potential risks, and we as health care providers are expected to discuss these with our patients.

Third, the principle of beneficence states that health care providers are obligated to act in the best interest of the patient, provide the best care for the patient, and to protect the patient from harm.   In the old days of medicine where you must do as the doctor says predominated, this violated the principle of autonomy and now the emphasis is on patient choice.

Lastly, the principle of justice states that in health care medical resources should be distributed and allocated fairly.