| A | B |
|---|
| Ethics | The systematic study and thoughtful examination of morality; it asks what really ought to be done, not only what is currently done. |
| Systematic study | Using organized methods and approaches to examine moral situations rather than relying only on personal opinion. |
| Thoughtful examination | Consciously questioning assumptions and beliefs about what is right and wrong. |
| Morality | Beliefs, values, and standards used to judge right and wrong conduct. |
| Ethical decision-making | A careful process of considering duties, rights, fairness, professional responsibilities, and patient well-being before acting. |
| Ethics in healthcare | A framework that guides professional conduct and supports safe, respectful, equitable patient care. |
| Legal obligation | A duty required by law, such as protecting patient information or obtaining proper consent. |
| Ethical obligation | A professional responsibility based on moral principles, such as treating patients with dignity and respect. |
| Patient education | The healthcare provider's responsibility to explain important information so the patient can understand and participate in decisions. |
| Nature of the procedure | Information about what will happen during a treatment, test, or procedure. |
| Risks and benefits | The possible harms and advantages of a procedure, treatment, or decision. |
| Treatment plan | The proposed course of care recommended for a patient. |
| Anticipated outcomes | The expected results or recovery outcomes of a treatment or procedure. |
| Reasonable alternatives | Other appropriate treatment or care options that should be explained to the patient. |
| Non-discrimination | The ethical requirement to treat patients without unfair judgment or bias based on personal characteristics. |
| Diversity | Recognition that patients come from many different cultural, social, personal, and linguistic backgrounds. |
| Equity | Providing fair care by recognizing different needs and barriers, rather than treating everyone exactly the same. |
| Inclusion | Creating care environments where patients are respected, supported, and not excluded because of their differences. |
| Respect for persons | A core healthcare responsibility that includes upholding human dignity and protecting confidentiality. |
| Human dignity | The inherent worth of each person that must be respected in healthcare interactions. |
| Confidentiality | The duty to protect private patient information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure; often one of the most challenging ethical issues in healthcare. |
| Privacy | A patient's right to have personal and health information protected. |
| Professional responsibility | The duties and expectations healthcare professionals must meet in their work with patients and information. |
| Patient-centred care | Care that focuses on the patient as a unique person with unique needs and values; involves the patient, family, and interprofessional team in planning care. |
| Interprofessional care team | A group of healthcare professionals from different roles who work together to support patient care. |
| Individualized communication | Using communication methods suited to each patient's needs, health literacy, culture, and situation. |
