Explain the basic Principles of Medical Ethics

Medical ethics is based on four main principles, which are important to remember when discussing through ethical scenarios. The principles are: Autonomy - this is the right of the patient to make their own decisions. All patients over the age of 18 should be supported by doctors to to make the decisions about their medical care unless they are deemed without "capacity" (e.g. due to a medical condition). This is done by providing them with unbiased information about the pros and cons of different decisions.Justice - this principle encompasses the fact that medical care should be lawful, but also that all patients should have equal opportunities to receive care. Beneficence - this principle means that treating a patient should be done with the intent of doing good to them and helping to improve their overall condition. Non - maleficence - this is the principle of "do no harm" which means that intervention from a physician should where possible not harm the patient. This can be especially difficult in scenarios where some harm is inflicted to the patient, but with the main goal of making them better.