Clinical ethics is a branch of ethics that focuses on the moral principles and values guiding healthcare practices. It helps healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, make decisions that respect patients' rights and well-being. Key concepts include autonomy, which emphasizes a patient's right to make informed choices about their treatment, and beneficence, which encourages actions that promote the patient's best interests.
In clinical settings, ethical dilemmas often arise, such as balancing patient confidentiality with the need to share information for better care. By applying ethical frameworks, healthcare providers can navigate these challenges, ensuring that they deliver compassionate and responsible care while respecting the diverse values of their patients.