Course: Ethics of Healthcare

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Course title Ethics of Healthcare
Course code HUM/PRP22
Organizational form of instruction Lesson + Seminary
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
Philosophy and medical ethics. Historical roots of medical ethics. The most important current sources of medical ethics. Relationship between law and medical ethics. Ethics committees. Ethical issues concerning the beginning of life. Ethical issues concerning the end of life. Communication with patients. Truth and lies principles in relation to patients. Professional communication. Ethical issues in health care management. Ethics in psychiatry. Ethics of medical research. Allocation of scarce resources.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization)
  • Homework for Teaching - 11 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 15 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
To understand the regulation of relations between society and profession, a midwife and a patient, leading up to cultivation of the moral profile of a midwife. Introduction to philosophical sources of ethics, ethical principles and basic ethical terminology. Specification of ethical issues in gynaecology : ethics concerning the beginning of life (germinal ethics), abortion issues, assisted reproduction.
Upon completion of the course, the student understands the philosophical and historical foundations of healthcare ethics and their relevance to the care of women and newborns. She can distinguish ethical issues and dilemmas in the areas of reproduction, childbirth, and postpartum care, and respond to them with respect for human rights, patient autonomy, professional responsibility, and the current legal framework. She is able to apply ethical principles in sensitive and complex situations such as birth plans, refusal of care, informed consent, miscarriage, prenatal diagnostics, or assisted reproduction. She is familiar with the principles of confidentiality, communication, and ethical decision-making within a multidisciplinary team. She understands the importance of equity, justice, and cultural sensitivity in providing care to women from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for studying the course Ethics include a basic understanding of healthcare related to women, children, and families, particularly during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The student should be able to reflect on human behavior in terms of values, responsibility, dignity, and the woman's autonomy. An openness to discussing ethical issues related to reproductive rights, the beginning of life, bodily integrity, and the decision-making of pregnant women is expected. The student should have knowledge of the healthcare system, patients' rights, and the professional responsibilities of midwives. It is essential to be able to understand professional texts, analyze real-life situations, and communicate in a respectful and sensitive manner.

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

Students are expected to actively participate in seminars and practical classes, including the discussion and resolution of ethical issues related to healthcare practice.
Recommended literature
  • Blackburn, S. (2022). Etika : velmi stručný úvod. Praha : Univerzita Karlova, nakladatelství Karolinum.
  • 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.
  • Kopřiva, K. Lidský vztah jako součást profese : psychoterapeutické kapitoly pro sociální, pedagogické a zdravotnické profese. Praha : Portál. 2024.
  • Kuře, J. (2022). Rozhodování o zdravotní péči v závěru života. Praha : Academia.
  • Matějek, J. (2021). Etické poradenství: jak řešit etické problémy každodenní medicíny.. Praha Triton.
  • Ondriová, I. Etické problémy a dilemata v ošetřovatelské praxi. Praha : Grada. 2021.
  • Payne, J. (2019). Informovaný konsenzus: poučená dohoda.. Praha: Grada.
  • Ptáček, R., Bartůněk, P.. (2020). Naděje v medicíně.. Praha: Grada.


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): Midwifery (2020) Category: Health service 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Summer