Study Guide for WGU Course: Healthcare Values and Ethics – D404
Course Overview
Western Governors University Healthcare Values and Ethics – D404
focuses on ethical principles, professional values, legal considerations, and
decision-making frameworks used in healthcare environments. You’ll study
how ethics influences patient care, organizational leadership, policy, and
healthcare professionals’ responsibilities.
This guide is structured to help you prepare for assessments efficiently.
1. Core Ethical Principles in Healthcare
These are foundational and frequently tested.
Autonomy
Respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Example: A competent patient refuses surgery.
Beneficence
Acting in the patient’s best interest.
Example: Recommending treatment that improves quality of life.
Nonmaleficence
“Do no harm.” Avoid causing unnecessary injury or suffering.
Example: Preventing medication errors.
Justice
Fair and equitable treatment of all patients.
Example: Equal access to care regardless of income or race.
Fidelity
Keeping promises and maintaining trust.
Veracity
Telling the truth to patients.
1
,2. Major Ethical Theories
Utilitarianism
Best action = greatest good for the greatest number.
Healthcare Example: Prioritizing vaccines during shortage.
Deontology
Duty-based ethics; rules matter.
Example: Respect confidentiality even when inconvenient.
Virtue Ethics
Focuses on character traits like honesty, compassion, courage.
Care Ethics
Emphasizes relationships, empathy, and responsiveness.
3. Patient Rights
Know common patient rights:
Informed consent
Refusal of treatment
Privacy/confidentiality
Access to records
Respectful care
Advance directives
Participation in decisions
Informed Consent Includes:
Nature of treatment
Risks
Benefits
Alternatives
Voluntary agreement
2
, 4. Confidentiality and Privacy
HIPAA Basics
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects patient health
information.
Know:
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Minimum necessary rule
When disclosure is allowed
Patient authorization requirements
Breaches Include:
Sharing charts improperly
Discussing patients publicly
Lost unsecured records
5. End-of-Life Ethics
Important topics:
Advance Directives
Written wishes for care if patient cannot decide.
Living Will
Specifies treatment preferences.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Names decision-maker.
DNR Orders
Do Not Resuscitate instructions.
Ethical Issues:
Withdrawing treatment
3
Course Overview
Western Governors University Healthcare Values and Ethics – D404
focuses on ethical principles, professional values, legal considerations, and
decision-making frameworks used in healthcare environments. You’ll study
how ethics influences patient care, organizational leadership, policy, and
healthcare professionals’ responsibilities.
This guide is structured to help you prepare for assessments efficiently.
1. Core Ethical Principles in Healthcare
These are foundational and frequently tested.
Autonomy
Respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions.
Example: A competent patient refuses surgery.
Beneficence
Acting in the patient’s best interest.
Example: Recommending treatment that improves quality of life.
Nonmaleficence
“Do no harm.” Avoid causing unnecessary injury or suffering.
Example: Preventing medication errors.
Justice
Fair and equitable treatment of all patients.
Example: Equal access to care regardless of income or race.
Fidelity
Keeping promises and maintaining trust.
Veracity
Telling the truth to patients.
1
,2. Major Ethical Theories
Utilitarianism
Best action = greatest good for the greatest number.
Healthcare Example: Prioritizing vaccines during shortage.
Deontology
Duty-based ethics; rules matter.
Example: Respect confidentiality even when inconvenient.
Virtue Ethics
Focuses on character traits like honesty, compassion, courage.
Care Ethics
Emphasizes relationships, empathy, and responsiveness.
3. Patient Rights
Know common patient rights:
Informed consent
Refusal of treatment
Privacy/confidentiality
Access to records
Respectful care
Advance directives
Participation in decisions
Informed Consent Includes:
Nature of treatment
Risks
Benefits
Alternatives
Voluntary agreement
2
, 4. Confidentiality and Privacy
HIPAA Basics
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects patient health
information.
Know:
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Minimum necessary rule
When disclosure is allowed
Patient authorization requirements
Breaches Include:
Sharing charts improperly
Discussing patients publicly
Lost unsecured records
5. End-of-Life Ethics
Important topics:
Advance Directives
Written wishes for care if patient cannot decide.
Living Will
Specifies treatment preferences.
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Names decision-maker.
DNR Orders
Do Not Resuscitate instructions.
Ethical Issues:
Withdrawing treatment
3
