Unit2(EthicalPrinciples)

The right to make rational decisions free from external pressures

ex. A radiographer may be put in the middle between a patient's wish to refuse an exam & a physician's order for an x-ray procedure

All acts must be meant to attain a good result or to be beneficial

ex. A radiographer may refuse to perform a procedure if it will harm the patient- even if it goes against the doctor's order or directions given to you by a co-worker

Medical information is to be kept private unless there is a direct threat to the patient or others

ex. A supervisor may have to tell a radiographer that the patient is HIV-positive prior to the start of a radiographic procedure

Some actions may produce both good & bad effects

ex. Although exposure to radiation is harmful to the body, the information obtained may help restore the person to good health

The duty fo fulfill one's commitments; keeping promises

ex. A radiographer should not suggest to the patient that results of a test will be normal or promise something that cannot be achieved

Treating all persons equally

ex. Patients should be cared for with equal intent according to need, regardless of a radiographer's personal feelings toward the indiviual

To abstain from inflicting harm or to prevent harm

ex. A radiographer should act only within their scope of practice & provide care in a safe, effective manner

Making decisions regarding care without consulting the person affected

ex. Patients should always be consulted whenever a decision affects their care, unless action is need to prevent immediate harm

Believing that no one has the right to judge another person's quality of life

ex. A radiographer cannot make life or death decisions for a patient or withhold care because of their feelings toward the worth or quality of a person's life

Honesty & truthfulness in professional practice

ex. A radiographer may have to admit they made an error in caring for a patient, especially if that admission affects the quality of care

Keeping patient's belongings safe & caring for the employer's property

ex. Patient's belongings are the responsibility of the radiographer & should be treated with care; care should be taken with equipment & other property of the employer