Ward Ethics: Dilemmas for Medical Students and Doctors in Training
Cambridge University Press, 8/12/2009
EAN 9780521664523, ISBN10: 0521664527
Paperback, 284 pages, 25.1 x 18.5 x 1.5 cm
Language: English
The existing literature in medical ethics does not serve the practical needs of medical students and trainees very well, as the dilemmas posed are generally beyond their direct control, and being a student or junior doctor brings its own set of ethical concerns. The editors have addressed this need by compiling a series of case studies from around the world and inviting an international team of leading ethicists and clinicians to comment on them. Over 80 actual cases cover the range of possible problems a medical trainee may encounter on the ward, from drug and alcohol abuse, whistleblowing and improper sexual conduct to performing procedures, handling authority, disclosure, blaming, personal responses to patients, and misrepresentation of research. The book will be an essential guide on how to cope with the ethical dilemmas of those embarking on medical careers.
Acknowledgements
About the editors
Prologue
breaking the silence
Letter to a young doctor Richard Selzer
Part I. On Caring for Patients
Introduction
Section I. Performing Procedures
1. The responsibility of informing
2. Treating despite discomfort and self doubt
3. Blaming the patient
4. Breaking the code
is a promise always a promise? 5. The newly dead
6. Asking for help
who is listening?
Section II. Problems in Truthtelling
7. Omissions
failing to come forward
8. Commissions
deliberate deception
Section III. Setting Boundaries
9. From professional to personal
10. Losing empathy
11. The limits of compassion
Part II. On Becoming a 'Team Player'
Introduction
Section IV. Abuse and Mistreatment
12. Psychological
subjected to humiliating and belittling behavior
13. Physical abuse
actual physical harm
14. Sexual abuse
sexist slurs and sexual advances
Section V. Argot, Jargon, and Questionable Humor
15. Comedians
mordant humor and cynicism
16. What's in a name?
Section VI. Making Waves
17. Personal identity
18. Duties to treat?
19. Hierarchy and the dynamics of rank
20. Conflicts of interest
Section VII. Perceiving Misconduct and Whistleblowing
21. Abusing alcohol or drugs
22. Mistreating patients
23. Covering up
24. Misrepresenting research
Epilogue
using this book
Glossary
Index.
'The book addresses a huge range of topics that will be familiar to many readers from performing procedures and the place of humour on the ward round to whistle blowing on colleagues - the list is exhaustive.' British Medical Journal