Ethics in EMS Education. Introduction. Terminology

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1 Ethics in EMS Education 1 Introduction Ethics is an important part of medicine Students will frequently be exposed to situations requiring ethical decisions Ethics is often an overlooked aspect of EMS education but students and EMS professionals are encountering ethical situations more and more often Ethics are often based on a code of ethics and/or on a mission statement 2 Terminology Ethics, morals and values are difficult to define and many definitions are acceptable Ethics is generally thought of as the study of right action and morals is the system through which that action is applied Values are a person s principles or standards of behavior; one s judgement of what is important Ethics, morals and values are intertwined and not normally separable 3 1

2 Mission Statement A short statement of an organization s purpose, identifying the scope of its operations: what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation It is the mission of the Olton EMS Training Program to provide quality health care education to program applicants, thereby increasing the level of expertise in Pre-hospital Medicine provided to rural communities throughout our region. 4 Sources of Mission Statements Businesses EMS agencies EMS training programs Organizations 5 Codes of Ethics Adopted by organizations to assist members in understanding the difference between right and wrong and in applying that understanding to their decision Seldom does all members agree 100% The National Association of EMTs (NAEMT) has probably the most popular Code for EMTs Found at 6 2

3 Ethics in the Classroom By introducing ethics into the course it suggests to students that it is an integral part of EMS You are qualified to teach it more than you think you know EMS and can easily think of times when an ethical question may arise We all are ethical people (who follow various theories) and know the difference between right and wrong But in EMS it isn t always that simple 7 Teaching Ethics Teach, don t preach Your role is to facilitate discussion Introduce ethical issues, concepts and theories Challenge students to find ethical problems in an ethical issue or case study Guide students towards finding responsible answers or solutions to the problems posed 8 Ethics The critical examination and evaluation of what is good, evil, right and wrong in human conduct (Guy, 2001) A specific set of principles, values and guidelines for a particular group or organization (Guy, 2001) Source: Guy, Jr., Alfred H. (n.d.). Successful Ways to Teach Ethics in any Discipline 9 3

4 Ethics Ethics is the study of goodness, right action and moral responsibility, it asks what choices and ends we ought to pursue and what moral principles should govern our pursuits and choices (Madden, 2000) Source: Madden, Theresa. (2000) A Compendium of Ideas and Resources for Using Ethics Across the Curriculum. Howard Community College 10 Morals Those principles and values that actually guide, for better or worse, an individual s personal conduct (Guy, 2001) Source: Guy, Jr., Alfred H. (n.d.). Successful Ways to Teach Ethics in any Discipline 11 Morals Morality is the informal system of rational beings by which they govern their behavior in order to lesson harm or evil and do good, this system, although informal, enjoys amazing agreement across time and cultures concerning moral rules, moral ideas and moral virtues (Madden, 2000) Source: Madden, Theresa. (2000) A Compendium of Ideas and Resources for Using Ethics Across the Curriculum. Howard Community College 12 4

5 Values Where emphasis is placed and what is rewarded in an organization and society Guiding principles of behavior and conduct. The core motivator for behaviors 13 Divine Law Virtue Ethics Egoism Ethical Relativism Utilitarianism Duty Ethics Ethical Theories 14 Divine Law Based on religion; primarily Judeo- Christian and Islamic Good and right is based on obeying God s will Strengths include moral certainty and guidance Weaknesses include moral certainty, selfrighteousness and intolerance 15 5

6 Virtue Ethics Based in ancient Greek philosophy: Plato and Aristotle What is considered good? Seeking happiness and living the good life What is right behavior? Acting virtuously which is necessary for happiness Strengths include virtue as is it s own reward and leads to self-actualization Weaknesses include consequences, the common good and principle are ignored 16 Egoism Based in classical and contemporary philosophy What is good? What I think best for me is good Behavior is based on what is good for me only Strengths: leads to moral certainty and moral autonomy Weaknesses: Self-centeredness, moral certainty, selfishness and unrealistic thinking 17 Ethical Relativism Also based in classical and contemporary philosophy Good is based on whatever the individual/group/culture decides is right Acting in accord with group s values Strengths: tolerance, flexible thinking and practicality Weaknesses: rules out criticism of obvious evil and all is considered relative 18 6

7 Utilitarianism Based in British/American philosophy: Bentham and Kant Good is based on happiness/pleasure, diminishing misery and pain Promoting the greatest good for the greatest number Strengths: practical, considers consequences of actions Weaknesses: a good end may justify a bad means, justifies mistreatment of a minority group if they do not agree with the majority, dehumanizing 19 Duty Ethics Based on theories by Kant Good is based on good will that is good hearted and extended to others Doing your moral duty and acting as a role model for others Strengths: highly principled, consistent, shows respect for others Weaknesses: ignores circumstances and offers no way to choose among competing principles 20 Guidelines for Leading a Discussion on Ethics A key is knowing when and where to ask the right questions The facts of the case? Who is involved? Why was the ethical action chosen? Set the tone for the discussion Do not judge Respect diversity Allow everyone to speak but have them back up their decisions, not just spout them 21 7

8 Ethical Issues in Teaching Plagiarism Falsifying documents Cheating/dishonesty Inappropriate language/behavior Unacceptable classroom behavior such as violence, threats, harassment, etc. 22 Dealing With Ethical Issues in Teaching Foster a positive learning environment to minimize behavior problems Model ethical behavior Appropriate dress Appropriate language Demonstrate concern and respect for others Commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning 23 Dealing With Ethical Issues in Teaching Publish classroom rules, policies, and expectations Apply discipline or consequences consistently and fairly Provide plenty of supervision, mentors, and role models 24 8

9 Conclusion Ethics and ethical behavior is NOT black and white. What may be ethical to some may not be ethical to others When facing an ethical dilemma, we should teach or students to do what is best for the patient In teaching, we must always protect the integrity of our class and program 25 9