Clinical Ethical Principles

643 Words2 Pages

Case Study: Ethical Theories and Their Application in Clinical Research
Wojtowicz, Stephanie M.
Kaplan University
Ethics Course Petition Ethical Theories and Their Application in Clinical Research

Ethical principles of clinical research are guidelines that ensure the safety and well-being of human research subjects. These principles encompass aspects of Utilitarianism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics. Although, they may not suit modern morality they still have problem- solving elements that are useful in modern times.
Utilitarianism
Simply put, Utilitarianism is doing what is best for the majority. Utilitarianism dates back to the 1600s and is a form of consequentialism. Modern clinical research trials must have social and clinical value per …show more content…

Deontologists believe in establishing set rules and moral standards. One could relate these rules to the Ten Commandments spoken of in the Christian Bible or the Hippocratic Oath, which according to Steven H. Miles (2005), is one of the most famous statements of ethical deontology in practice. The moral guidelines established in the Hippocratic Oath are similar to the ethical principles utilized in modern practice. Deontologists are not concerned with the greater good; rather, the concern is what the right thing to do is based on morality. Participation in the previously mentioned clinical trial for development of a pain medication with no potential for addiction would be an ethical dilemma for a clinical research coordinator who has ethical principles based on Deontology because said coordinator would be obligated to do what is best for the individual trial …show more content…

This focus on the person differs from Deontology and Utilitarianism’s focus on actions and consequences. Health care providers are expected to possess virtuous traits that foster the trust of patients. Virtue ethics can be influenced by one’s religious beliefs. Health care providers may deal with ethical dilemmas throughout their careers that conflict with their personal beliefs. It is important to recognize that a person’s professional ethics may not always be consistent with their professional ethics. A seasoned professional should be able to separate their personal beliefs from their professional obligation to do what is best for their

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