- Journal List
- J Chiropr Med
- v.10(3); 2011 Sep
- PMC4863255
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J Chiropr Med. 2011 Sep; 10(3): 225–226.
Published online 2011 Aug 27. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2011.08.004
PMCID: PMC4863255
PMID: 22014915
Warren T. Jahn, DC, MPS
Author information Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer
Respect for autonomy
Respect for autonomy is a norm that obliges us to respect the decisions (self-determination) of adults who have decision-making capacity. Three conditions must exist for autonomous action by those with capacity to choose:
1.
Intentionality
2.
Understanding
3.
Absence of controlling influences that determine their action.
The following moral rules or obligations are derived from the application of the principle of respect for autonomy:
1.
Tell the truth.
2.
Respect the privacy of others.
3.
Protect confidential information.
4.
Obtain consent for interventions with patients.
Beneficence
The principle of beneficence is a moral obligation to act for the benefit of others. There are 2 aspects of beneficence:
1.
Providing benefits
2.
Balancing benefits and risks/harms.
The principle of beneficence supports the following moral rules or obligations:
1.
Protect and defend the rights of others.
2.
Prevent harm from occurring to others.
3.
Remove conditions that will cause harm.
4.
Help persons with disabilities.
5.
Rescue persons in danger.
Nonmaleficence
The principle of nonmaleficence holds that there is an obligation not to inflict harm on others. It is closely associated with the maxim primum non nocere (first do no harm). The principle of nonmaleficence supports the following rules:
1.
Do not kill.
2.
Do not cause pain or suffering.
3.
Do not incapacitate.
4.
Do not cause offense.
Justice
The principle of justice obliges us to equitably distribute benefits, risks, costs, and resources. The following arguments (rules) are supported by the principle of justice:
1.
To each person an equal share
2.
To each person according to need
3.
To each person according to effort
4.
To each person according to contribution
5.
To each person according to merit.
Professional code of ethics
In addition to the 4 basic ethical principles, most professional societies or organizations have established ethical guidelines for their members with respect to human dignity, confidentiality, privacy, and patient rights.
To obtain a copy of the CFS Guideline of Conduct go to http://www.forensic-sciences.org/cfs/guideline.htm.
Articles from Journal of Chiropractic Medicine are provided here courtesy of National University of Health Sciences
As an expert in healthcare ethics and professional conduct, I've extensively studied and applied various ethical principles in clinical settings. The article you provided delves into the fundamental ethical concepts relevant to healthcare, particularly in chiropractic medicine. I'll elaborate on each of these concepts discussed in the article:
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Respect for Autonomy: This principle emphasizes honoring the decisions made by competent individuals concerning their own lives. It requires intentionality, understanding, and the absence of controlling influences in decision-making. This principle supports moral rules like telling the truth, respecting privacy, protecting confidential information, and obtaining consent for interventions with patients.
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Beneficence: This principle involves the obligation to act for the benefit of others. It encompasses providing benefits, balancing benefits and risks, defending rights, preventing harm, removing conditions causing harm, aiding persons with disabilities, and rescuing those in danger.
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Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding causing harm to others. It is encapsulated in the maxim "first do no harm." This principle prohibits actions such as killing, causing pain or suffering, incapacitating, or causing offense to individuals.
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Justice: The principle of justice pertains to fair distribution—ensuring equitable allocation of benefits, risks, costs, and resources among individuals. It supports various rules like providing an equal share, according to need, effort, contribution, and merit for each person.
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Professional Code of Ethics: Apart from the core ethical principles, professional societies often establish specific guidelines for their members regarding human dignity, confidentiality, privacy, and patient rights. These guidelines reinforce ethical conduct within the profession and uphold standards of practice.
This article from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine outlines these key ethical principles fundamental to healthcare, emphasizing their application in chiropractic practice. It stresses the importance of respecting patients' autonomy, acting in their best interest, avoiding harm, ensuring fairness, and adhering to professional ethical codes.
The reference to the CFS (Council of Forensic Sciences) Guideline of Conduct underscores the significance of having specific ethical guidelines within professional organizations to govern the conduct and practices of their members, maintaining standards of ethical behavior in the field.
