In: Nursing
Ethics is the study of good conduct,character and motives. It is concerned with determining what is good or valuable for all people.
Code of Ethics.
A code of ethics is a set of ethical principles that are accepted by all members of a profession.
A professional ethical code is a collective statement about the group 's expectations and standards of behaviour.
The American Nurses Association ( ANA) and
International Council of Nurses (ICN) have established widely accepted code to follow.
The code differ for health IT professional,but the basic principles are same.
It includes
1. Accountability .
2. Responsibility.
3. Confidentiality.
4. Veracity.
1. Accountability.
It refers to the ability to answer for one's own actions.
The nurse balances the accountability to the client, the profession,the employer and society.
To remain accountable to society nursing professionals agree to evaluate practices and actions and to take actions to preserve nursing excellence.
To maintain good standards consider these activities .
-Evaluate new professional practices and reasses the existing ones.
- Maintenance of standards of health care.
-Facilitation of personal reflection,ethical thoughts and personal growth.
-Provision of a basis for ethical discussion making.
Health IT professionals must be accountable for maintenance of standards.
2. Confidentiality.
Confidentiality is one of the important factor all professionals must follow.
The Federal legislation known as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) defines the rights and privileges of clients for protection of privacy with out diminishing access to quality care.The legislation establishes fines for infractions.
Medical records may not be copied or forwarded with out a clients consent.In case of health IT professionals they must work to protect confidentiality of computerised medical records by using special access codes.
3. Responsibility.
It refers to the characteristics of reliability and dependability. It is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. It includes a duty to perform actions well and thoughtfully. Being responsible all professionals gain trust from clients, colleagues and society.
4. Veracity.
It is accuracy or conformity of truth.
The code of ethics in nursing is applicable for Health IT professionals also. The main principles are same. Both must follow these principles which is necessary for clients and society.