Informed consent and medical ethics

Abstract

Medical ethics has a very long history and it investigates ethical issues arising in medicine and health care provision by applying the principles of moral philosophy. The ancient ethical codes were often expressed in the form of oaths. The best known medical oath in the western tradition is the Oath of Hippocrates and often regarded as the very foundation of Western medical ethics. The Hippocratic School produced a large body of writings on medicine, science and ethics. In the ensuing centuries the principles of Christian humanism dominated the practice of medicine. Towards the end of 18th century the role of physicians in dealing with disease in individuals as well as population groups led to the drafting codes of professional conduct. Changing attitudes of society and the major advances in medical science at the beginning of the 20th centuries led to recognition of the need for modification of the Hippocratic Oath. This need was met by the Declaration of Geneva, formulated by the World Medical Association in 1947, supplemented by Declaration on particular aspects of medical ethics. Now, the advanced medical technologies or revolutionary developments in the biomedical sciences as well as in clinical medicine and its communication to the public has led to a growing need for the medical professional to be fully aware of society`s views on various developments. This, no doubt, enables ethical guidelines to reflect and safeguard the interests and wellbeing of patients.