Ethics in Radiography

Now that we've covered the legal issues facing radiographers, let's consider the ethical ones. This area is harder to quantify and as medicine advances, the answers to ethical questions are harder to find. While ethical behavior may seem hard to define, there are guidelines here just as there are with legal issues. We will examine ethical issues in more detail after you read the ARRT Standard of Ethics. The ARRT Standard of Ethics document includes the Code of Ethics and the Rules of Ethics.

 

GO BACK TO THE COURSE CONTENT, UNIT 2 AND CLICK ON THE ARRT STANDARDS OF ETHICS DOCUMENT!!! READ THROUGH THE STANDARDS OF ETHICS AND THEN COME BACK TO THE LESSON!

ETHICS

Ethics comes from the Greek ethos, meaning character. Ethics pertain to the individual character of a person or persons. Ethics also can be defined as the study of morality. Here are some ethical terms that you need to know.

Autonomy - the right to make decisions without being pressured

Beneficence - all acts should be meant to obtain a good result

Confidentiality - the right to privacy

Double Effect - some actions produce both a good and bad affect

Fidelity - keeping promises or fulfilling commitments

Justice - equal treatment

Nonmaleficence - do no harm and prevent harm

Paternalism - making a decision for another because "you know best"

Sanctity - all life is precious

Veracity - honesty

Respect for Property - do not waste or damage the property of others