ETHICAL PRINCIPLE DIMENSIONS OF DOCTORS AND NURSES TOWARD PATIENT'S SATISFACTION

Abstract

Ethical principles are basic and obvious moral truths that guide deliberation and action. Doctors in their daily work activities need to know the ethical principles and implement them in the delivery of service to assure patient satisfaction and to maintain a good relationship between doctors and patients or their relatives, so that public is assured of safe quality patient care.

Doctors deal with issues and situations that have elements of ethical or moral uncertainty. They need to recognize situations with ethical and moral implications, and make coherent and logical ethical decisions based upon recognized ethical principles and theories. They need to recognize ethical components of practice and lo engage in a structured ethical Decision-making process.

It is vital for doctors to understand ethical principles and be adept at applying them in a meaningful and consistent manner. Ethical principles consist of respect for persons, autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, veracity, confidentiality, justice, and fidelity (Burkhardt and Nathaniel: 2002). All the principles presuppose that doctors have respect for the value and uniqueness of persons. Certainly, genuine regard and respect for others serves as cornerstone of any caring profession.

Key Words: Ethical principles, ethical components, doctors, and value