Course: Healthcare Ethics

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Course title Healthcare Ethics
Course code HUM/FTB02
Organizational form of instruction Exercise + Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 1
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Vévoda Jiří, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
Content the discipline is aimed at ethical issues of physioptherapy. It is an introduction to the integration of ethical principles to ethical codices and it also covers ethical dilemmas of physiotherapists´ behavior to their clients/patiens; it familiarizes students with humanization of interpersonal relations between the physiotherapist and the patient, between the physiotherapist and his/her colleagues. It brings out ethical principles and basic ethical terminology; it familiarizes with acute issues of ethics in physiotherapy and also with norms used for their solution.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization)
  • Homework for Teaching - 12 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 14 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The course is aimed at ethical issues of physioptherapy. It is an introduction to the integration of ethical principles to ethical codices and it also covers ethical dilemmas of physiotherapists´ behavior to their clients/patiens; it familiarizes students with humanization of interpersonal relations between the physiotherapist and the patient, between the physiotherapist and his/her colleagues. It brings out ethical principles and basic ethical terminology; it familiarizes with acute issues of ethics in physiotherapy and also with norms used for their solution.
Upon completion of the course, the student understands the philosophical and professional foundations of healthcare ethics and their relevance to clinical rehabilitation practice. She is able to identify ethical issues and dilemmas that may arise in physiotherapy and respond to them in accordance with ethical principles such as respect for patient autonomy, responsibility, justice, and confidentiality. She can apply ethical frameworks when making decisions that require balancing therapeutic goals, patient preferences, and the practical limits of care. She understands the importance of informed consent, the boundaries of the professional relationship, and ethical communication in direct patient care. She recognizes the physiotherapist's responsibility not only to individual patients, but also to the healthcare team and society.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for studying the course Ethics f include a basic understanding of healthcare practice, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration across age groups. The student should be able to perceive human behavior in the context of values, responsibility, patient autonomy, and dignity. A readiness to engage in discussions on ethical issues related to chronic illness, pain, quality of life, patient motivation, and the limits of therapeutic intervention is expected. The student should be familiar with patients' rights, understand the role of the physiotherapist within the healthcare team, and be able to work with professional texts and case studies. The ability to communicate sensitively, respectfully, and thoughtfully about ethical aspects of physiotherapy is essential.

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Dialog, Systematic Observation of Student

Student activity in seminars and practical classes. Solving ethical issues during practical sessions.
Recommended literature
  • Feber, J., Petrucijová, J. (2020). Obecná etika. Trnava: Typi Universitatis Tyrnaviensis.
  • Gorná, M., Rapčíková, T. Etika pro lékařskou, zdravotnickou a záchranářskou praxi. Praha : Grada Publishing. 2024.
  • Jankovský, J. (2018). Etika pro pomáhající profese. Praha: Triton.
  • Kopřiva, K. Lidský vztah jako součást profese : psychoterapeutické kapitoly pro sociální, pedagogické a zdravotnické profese. Praha : Portál. 2024.
  • Matějek, J. (2021). Etické poradenství: jak řešit etické problémy každodenní medicíny. Praha: Triton.
  • Payne, J. (2019). Informovaný konsenzus: poučená dohoda. Praha: Grada Publishing.
  • Ptáček, R., Bartůněk, P. (2020). Naděje v medicíně. Praha: Grada Publishing.
  • Vácha, M., O. (2019). Eutanázie: definice, histore, legislativa, etika. Praha: Grada Publishing.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences Study plan (Version): Physiotherapy (2019) Category: Health service 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer