Healthcare Ethics: Clinical Practice Guidelines

Author: Raymond F. Gorusch (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: This book introduces the basic principles and language of health care ethics, as well as the background material on the development of values and ethical theories. It includes numerous real-world cases to promote discussion and reflection among readers. The review questions at the end of each chapter allow you to further explore the theoretical perspectives presented in the book and practice decision-making skills. The book is divided into fourteen chapters:
Chapters 1 to 4 provide an introduction to theories of value development and ethical theory, with a detailed discussion of the nature of rights. Chapter 5 analyzes the principle of confidentiality in modern health care practice. Chapter 6 examines issues of duty and loyalty, as well as the professional requirements of various occupations. Chapter 7 discusses the nature of patient autonomy rights and how they often conflict with the desire of medical professionals to make decisions for patients. Chapter 8 analyzes the principles of justice related to health care equity and fair distribution in our society. Chapter 9 examines issues surrounding the withdrawal and discontinuation of life support; Chapter 10 introduces the current debates surrounding the modern euthanasia movement: these two chapters analyze the legal basis for passive euthanasia and discuss schemes for achieving passive euthanasia through the movement of "hospice care." Chapter 11 analyzes both sides of the debate on abortion. Chapter 12 examines the ethical issues related to HIV/AIDS. Chapter 13 explores the ethical issues surrounding advancements in genetics. Chapter 14 discusses cross-cultural health care, focusing on two highly influential ancient health care traditions: Chinese and Indian traditions. At the end of each chapter, the book includes numerous review questions to help readers reflect on and practice reasoning for ethical decision-making.