(2) Ethics is not just an abstract philosophical study of what is right and
wrong. It is about applying morally right behavior to daily life. According to MAJ
Michael Frisina, Assistant Professor at West Point," Ethics is about applying right
behavior to daily life: it happens at the bedside, in the foxhole, and in the checkout line
when you get too much change, and at income tax time when considering deductions."2
Figure 1-1. Routine handling or fondling?
b. Lesson Scope. This lesson will introduce the topic of ethics. It will examine
the way in which culture, geography, and a host of other factors affect your values,
beliefs, and attitudes. It will look at the professional code of ethics for x-ray
technologists and the patient's bill of rights.
c. Technology, Caring, and Values. Any clinical transaction between patient
and health care provider involves technology, caring, and values.3 The mix of these
three elements will vary according to the clinical situation. This subcourse looks
primarily at values. Because, utilimately, it is the values of the individual and the
professional that will influence the quality of the clinical encounter. Our basic ideas
about what is right and wrong are determined by our values.
value: a goal or an ideal upon which we base decisions affecting our lives.
MD0066
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