Medical Ethics, Law and Communication at a Glance presents a succinct overview of these key areas of the medical curriculum. This new title aims to provide a concise summary of the three core, interlinked topics essential to resolving ethical dilemmas in medicine and avoiding medico-legal action. Divided into two sections; the first examines the ethical and legal principles underpinning each medical topic; while the second focuses on communication skills and the importance of good communication. Medical Ethics, Law and Communication at a Glance offers an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of good medical practice, and will provide indispensable support for undergraduate medical students and nurses, as well as newly qualified healthcare professionals.

Medical Ethics, Law and Communication at a Glance presents a succinct overview of these key areas of the medical curriculum.This new title aims to provide a concise summary of the three core, interlinked topics essential to resolving ethical dilemmas in medicine and avoiding medico-legal action.Divided into two sections; the first examines the ethical and legal principles underpinning each medical topic; while the second focuses on communication skills and the importance of good communication.Medical Ethics, Law and Communication at a Glance offers an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of good medical practice, and will provide indispensable support for undergraduate medical students and nurses, as well as newly qualified healthcare professionals.

Editors viiContributors viiPreface ixPart I Medical ethics and law 11 What is medical ethics? 22 Ethical theories and principles 43 Ethical reasoning 74 What is medical law? 105 The English legal system 136 Relationship between ethics, law and professionalism 167 Ethical decisions in practice 188 Negligence 209 Battery and assault 2410 Confidentiality 2611 Consent 2812 Reproduction 3413 Termination of pregnancy 3714 Organ donation and transplantation 4015 Mental health 4316 Safeguarding children and adults 4617 Public health 4818 Allocation of resources 5019 Clinical genetics 5320 Human research 5621 Care of older adults 5822 End of life care 6123 Health management 6524 Primary care 68Part II Communication 7125 The importance of good communication 7226 The patient-centred consultation 7427 Building the relationship 7528 Listening and questioning 7629 Explanations 7830 Explaining procedures 8031 The computer in the consultation 8132 Shared decision making 8233 Communication of risk 8434 Talking about lifestyle changes 8635 Breaking bad news 8836 Bad news: patients' reactions 9037 Dealing with anger and aggression 9238 Talking about sex 9439 Communicating across cultures 9640 Communicating with people with disabilities 9841 Communicating with colleagues 10042 Professionalism 10243 Feedback 10444 Looking after yourself 10645 Kindness 108Index 109