Abstract

Implementation of ethical principles in health care settings is an important tool for prioritizing well-being of patients in face of expanding treatment options, medical technologies and resources scarcity. This review discusses evaluation and theories of ethics, principles of medical ethics and strategies of their inculcation in healthcare professional practices. Non-maleficence, beneficence, patient’s autonomy and justice are recognized basic principles of medical ethics for regulating the actions and behaviors of healthcare professionals. They are aimed at increasing patient’s well-beings through preventing physical and moral harm, maximizing benefits of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, ensuring patients preferences for a specific treatment or diagnostic method and access to healthcare facilities with equality and equity. Deviation from these principles leads to professionally unethical practice with ultimate physical and moral harm to patients. Principles of medical ethics are legal in nature and can be inculcated in healthcare professionals through inclusion in courses, ethical committee’s establishment, trainings and conferences. Ethical competency, transparency, integrity and respect towards patients are the prime requisites for medical ethically skilled professionals.
In conclusion, ethical principles should be implemented in their true spirits so the patients can get maximum clinical outcomes of treatments with higher physical and moral safety and cost-effectiveness.

Key words: Ethics, Medical ethics, Principles, Inculcation, healthcare professions, Patient benefits