Bioethical Principles and Clinical Decision Making

Summary

It is critical for physicians to understand the concepts underlying the four principles of bioethics (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice). Bioethics should be integrated into all components of patient care. By familiarizing yourself with the principles of bioethics and thinking about how to handle frequently encountered ethical situations, you will be able to address these issues when you encounter them. By using the four principles of bioethics, patient satisfaction is enhanced, patient adherence to therapeutic regimens is increased, physician satisfaction is enhanced, and health care is ultimately improved.