Medical Ethics for Physicians

Medical ethics, also known as bioethics, is an amalgam of medicine, law, and religion. It is also influenced by cultural beliefs. In this course, we will define the most common ethical principles and note their relationship to the basic theories of ethics. Some of the prominent court cases that have dictated the basis of physician-patient relationships, especially in end-of-life care, are presented. Also, the Patient Self-Determination Act is outlined with explanations of advance directives—better known as physician directives and durable power of attorney for health care. Finally, a possible method of setting up a workable ethical decision-making framework is presented in some detail. Hopefully, this will be useful in the event of a conflict or when a decision involving ethical issues confronts us or our fellow physicians. This course should allow us to comprehend the basic precepts of medical ethics and afford us the general knowledge of how to apply them in our everyday practice of medicine.

The purpose of this course is to briefly review the history, theory, and practical application of ethical principles to issues that arise in clinical practice. The goals of the course are to heighten awareness and promote self-reflection, address knowledge gaps, improve communication and decision-making skills, and promote reasonable, humane care for patients and families.

This course meets 5 hours of the Pennsylvania requirement for patient safety/risk management education.

This course meets 5 hours of the Massachusetts requirement for risk management education.

This course meets the requirement for 2 hours of continuing education credit in medical ethics/professional responsibility as required by the Texas Medical Board.

This course fulfills the Nevada requirement for 2 hours of medical ethics education.

47174

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Outline the history of bioethics, including the evolution of the physician-patient relationship.
  2. Discuss the Karen Ann Quinlan and Nancy Cruzan cases as they influenced national and state healthcare policies.
  3. State the purpose of the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) of 1990 and the role of healthcare professionals.
  4. Differentiate between the types of advance directives.
  5. Discuss the national ethical standards frameworks and their relationship to ethical decision making for patients.
  6. Define terminology regarding bioethics, including the principles guiding medical ethical decision making.
  7. Compare and contrast various ethical theories as they relate to health care.
  8. Describe elements of setting up a workable ethical decision-making framework.

Additional Information

Partner: 
NetCE
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 5.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
Course opens: 
02/01/2023
Course expires: 
01/31/2026
Cost:
$35.00
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 5.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

Price

Cost:
$35.00
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This course is offered through NetCE.

To take this course you will be redirected to NetCE website. You must login or create an account with NetCE in order to complete this activity. 

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