Foundations and Principles of Medical Ethics and Professional Practice

Ethics is concerned with moral principles, values and standards of conduct. According to the study of morality, it involves careful and systematic reflection on and analysis of moral decisions and behaviour. In simple words, Ethics is a set of philosophical beliefs and practices concerned with the distinction between right and wrong. Medical Ethics is the branch of ethics that deals with moral issues in medical practice.

Significance of Ethical Grounding

The significance of medical ethics lies in its role in guiding moral decision-making within healthcare. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, informed consent and confidentiality are basic to the physician-patient relationship. The study of ethics prepares medical professionals to recognize difficult situations and to deal with them in a rational and principled manner. However, the application of these principles in specific situations is often problematic, since physicians, patients, their family members and other healthcare personnel may disagree about what is the right way to act in a situation.

Core Principles and Values

Healthcare professionals face complexities in applying these core values. The following principles guide medical practice:

• Autonomy: It is defined as a right for the self-observed, rational agents who are independent. Patient has freedom of thought, intention and action when making decisions regarding health care procedures.
• Beneficence: The doctor should act in the best interest of the patient. The procedures should be with the intent of doing good to the patient, as the patient’s welfare is the first consideration.
• Confidentiality: This is privileged communication based on loyalty and trust. Maintain confidentiality of all patient treatment information, revealing it only for the benefit of the patient and when ethically and legally required.
• Do no harm (Non-maleficence): Above all do no harm. Make sure that the procedure does no harm to the patient and also no harm to the society.
• Equity or Justice: This principle dictates the fair and equitable distribution of available resources.

Regulatory Framework and Disciplinary Oversight

In the context of professional regulation, the Medical Council of India is responsible for the recognition of medical qualification and the supervision of undergraduate and post graduate medical education. It also handles warning notices and appeals against disciplinary action. On a regional level, the State Medical Council maintains the medical register and exercises disciplinary control. This includes the professional death sentence, which is the erasure of a name from the Medical Register as a penalty for severe medical negligence.

Duties of the Physician

The character of the physician requires them to uphold the dignity of his profession and render service to the humanity. To offer services to the best of his ability, skills and judgement is essential for maintaining good medical practice. Specifically regarding Medical Records, the physician shall maintain medical records at least for 3 years and shall provide a copy of the records to the patient within 72 hours of request.