Course: Ethics of Healthcare

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Course title Ethics of Healthcare
Course code HUM/RGA31
Organizational form of instruction Lesson + Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
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)
  • Koblížek Jan, 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
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
  • Homework for Teaching - 14 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 10 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
To understand the regulation of relations between society and profession, leading up to cultivation of the moral profile. Introduction to philosophical sources of ethics, ethical principles and basic ethical terminology.
Upon completion of the course, the student understands the philosophical and historical foundations of healthcare ethics and their relevance to everyday practice in diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures. The student is able to distinguish between ethical issues and dilemmas, analyze real-life situations in the context of patient care, and apply ethical principles such as respect for patient autonomy, equitable access to care, responsibility, and confidentiality. They can respond to ethical challenges related to informed consent, data protection, and communication with both patients and healthcare teams. The student is capable of ethical decision-making in situations where patient safety, quality of care, or professional integrity may be at risk. They also understand the ethical aspects of technical domains.
Prerequisites
Students should have a basic understanding of healthcare practice and the specific responsibilities of a radiology assistant, especially in relation to patient interaction, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They are expected to reflect on human behavior in terms of values, responsibility, dignity, and respect for patient rights. A readiness to engage in ethical discussions is essential, particularly concerning informed consent, professional communication, and decision-making in ethically challenging clinical situations. Students should also be able to comprehend professional texts, analyze case-based scenarios, and express their views respectfully and thoughtfully when discussing sensitive ethical issues.

Assessment methods and criteria
Mark, Oral exam, Written exam, Essay, Seminar Work

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.
  • Blažková, M. (2020). Dějiny etických teorií od Kanta po pragmatismus. Praha: Karolinum.
  • Blecha, I. (1998). Filosofie. Olomouc.
  • 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. (2021). Etické problémy a dilemata v ošetřovatelské praxi. 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): Radiology Assistance (2019) Category: Health service 3 Recommended year of study:3, Recommended semester: Winter