Includes bibliographical references and index.

Morality and ethics : what are they and why do they matter? -- The ethical goal of professional practice : a caring response -- Prototypes of ethical problems -- Ethics theories and approaches : conceptual tools for ethical decision-making -- A six-step process of ethical decision making in arriving at a caring response -- Surviving student life ethically -- Surviving professional life ethically -- Living ethically within health care organizations -- Living ethically as a member of the health care team -- Why honor confidentiality? -- Communication and information sharing -- Informed consent in treatment and clinical research -- Ethical dimensions of chronic and end of life care -- Ethical issues in end of life care -- Distributive justice : clinical sources of claims for health care -- Compensatory and social justice : societal sources of claims for health care -- Professionals as good citizens : responsibility and opportunity.

Ideal for all health care professionals, 5th Edition provides a solid foundation in basic ethical theory, the terms and concepts of ethics, and current ethical issues. Expert authors Ruth Purtilo and Regina Doherty outline a unique 6-step decision-making process as a guide to making effective choices that lead to a professional and caring response to patients. They also suggest practical approaches to commonly encountered clinical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, information sharing, and end-of-life care. With this book, you will develop the skills you need to recognize, understand, and resolve ethical problems. Unique! New coverage of biotechnology addresses the professional's role relating to environmental responsibility and the ecological costs of various health care interventions. Unique! New content on the intersection of technology and ethics describes the impact of advances in medical technology in rehabilitative care, and helps you face difficult conversations where you must offer hope while presenting realistic outcomes. Unique! New content on terrorism and disaster planning describes the ethical dilemmas professionals face in preventing terrorism and planning for disasters. New topics on the ethical decision-making process include the concepts of care, distinguishing ethical reasoning as a distinct part of your clinical reasoning and professional judgment, and attention to caregivers. New coauthor Regina Doherty, an occupational therapist, adds expertise and an OT perspective.