The method
In previous posts we talked about the mediation through bioethics in which we introduced the concept and its application in health mediation. In this post we tell you about the result, methodology and basic ethical principles.
We understand the method as the procedure of decision making faced with a diversity of moral conflicts that have to do with life in a broad sense. Deliberation is the ability and guided attitude to illuminate the best solution to a conflict of values.
The result
The result of this prudent and responsible deliberation process will be the respect for norms, values, and principles.
The methodology
The general methodology to be used to deliberate on a proposed practical case is as follows:
- First of all, we will carry out the deliberation on the events that occur, a summary of what happened and the clarifications relevant information that the committee needs to clarify the facts.
- Subsequently, we will carry out a deliberation on values, identifying the issues “morals” involved. Values that conflict will be identified, trying to cause as little damage as possible. Next, we proceed to identify homework, where extreme courses of action, intermediate courses of action and the optimal course of action are identified. Finally we deliberated on the final responsibilities, where legality, time and advertising are addressed, to reach a conclusion and be able to issue the consensus recommendations.
To talk to you about the four principles of Bioethics, it is necessary to refer to the Belmont report. What this report is saying is that a system of moral rules, such as that of the Nuremberg Code or the Declaration of Helsinki, is insufficient to analyze the ethical problems of research, and that a set of principles established "a a level of generalization such that it can be of help to scientists, experimental subjects, evaluators and citizens interested in understanding the ethical concepts inherent to research with human beings.”
Basic ethical principles
Principle of Non-Maleficence:
This principle is about avoid physical, mental or moral harm to people. For them, incorrect or contraindicated diagnostic or therapeutic interventions should be avoided from a scientific-technical and clinical point of view, unsafe or without sufficient evidence, and their integrity and privacy must be protected. The values are: safety, efficacy and effectiveness, scientific-technical quality, disease prevention, protection of health and privacy and confidentiality.
Principle of Justice:
It consists of seeking the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, facilitating a non-discriminatory, adequate and sufficient access of people to available resources, and efficient use of them. The values are: Non-discrimination, equal opportunities, equity in the distribution of resources, intergenerational equity, gender focus, multicultural focus, preferential attention to vulnerability, transparency, corporate social responsibility and efficiency.
Principle of Autonomy:
In this principle you must respect that people manage their own lives and make decisions regarding their health and illness. The values are: information, participation in decision-making and informed consent.
Principle of Beneficence:
In this principle it must promote the well-being of people, ensuring that they fulfill their own life and happiness project as far as possible. The values are: Promotion of comprehensive health, care, communication, personalized treatment, promotion of mutual aid in health and empathy.
These four principles are, in principle, binding at the same level, we must respect and optimize them at all times, although sometimes it is difficult to respect the four principles and we are forced to prioritize them, prioritizing some to the detriment of others.
The ethical principles of autonomy, non-maleficence and justice have come to be configured as legal principles as well, we can see this in article 5 of Law 44/2003, of November 21, on the organization of health professions.
Bibliography:
Belmont Report, April 18, 1979.
“Ethics and law at the end of life”, Pablo Simón.
Law 44/2003, of November 21, on the organization of health professions.
